KATHMANDU, Dec 26: A group painting exhibition ‘Together’ is on display at Mithila Yain Art Gallery. It kicked off on Monday. The exhibition features artist Shyam Sundar Yadav and Antonius Kho from Indonesia.

The pictures and reliefs created by Antonius Kho are characterized by diverse cultural influences. The diverse characters, symbols, colors and materials he uses may not be noticeable to the Western observers. But they can be explained by his biography, as per a press statement released by Mithila Yain Art Gallery.

It added that in Kho’s native, Java, numerous rituals are performed. They have Buddhist and Hindu influence and are also linked to indigenous beliefs. Kho grew up in a family that believes in reincarnation. The ashes of his grandparents stood on an altar where offerings were made regularly in order to protect the roots of his family. Outside of the family, he marveled at and was deeply impressed by Borobodur Temple, which depicts 100,000 verses of the Mahabharata in a stone relief.  Antonius Kho was also fascinated with “Wayang” shadow puppet shows often performed at weddings. All of the performances are during the night. Around 250 shadow puppets made of water buffalo hide, come to life through a single puppet master. The master tells the unscripted story of the fight between good and evil spirits, represented through the ‘Pandava’ and ‘Kurava’ families of the Mahabharata. 

Characters and scenes from the Mahabharata, as well as images taken from everyday life in Indonesia are central to Antonius Kho’s works. 

Meanwhile, Yadav’s painting is based on Mithila-painting and depicts the everyday life through the motifs used in Mithila art.

The exhibition continues till Sunday.