Australian Ambassador to Nepal, HE Ms Susan Grace inaugurated the exhibition of paintings entitled “Stories from the Locality” by Hitman Gurung and “Fantasized Idea” by Laxman Karmacharya at Siddartha Art Gallery on May 18 and congratulated the winners.[break]
“The idea behind such awards is to give boost to aspiring artists whose paintings speak of their talent,” said Grace gazing at the paintings.
Sangeeta Thapa, Art Curator and Director of Siddhartha Art Gallery (SAG) said, “The Australian Himalayan Foundation entrusted me to find the right artists for the art award and both the times my instincts proved right.”
“It’s human nature to find solace in one’s work and I hope others, too, can find solace in my art,” said Karmacharya. While Gurung said that he felt proud on being awarded with the scholarship.
Peter Hillary, the Director of The Australian Himalayan Foundation said, “Art of any nation is a reflection of its culture. Yet, it is distinct and profound also because of another factor -- universal humanity.” He congratulated the recipients and expressed pleasure on the outcome of the financial support provided by the foundation.
Margie Thomas, who initiated the idea of scholarship, urged those in the gathering to buy a painting to support the award to make it self-sustainable.
Kailash K Shrestha, recipient of The Australian Himalayan Foundation Art Award for 2009 said that the paintings are realistic and beyond realistic at the same time. “The implied expressions of the colors are beautiful,” added Shrestha.
Content with the success of the exhibition on the first day, Thapa said it was a joy to work with the young artists.
The exhibition will go on till June 5 at SAG, Baber Mahal Revisited.
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