KATHMANDU, April 29: After some brainstorming, artists Kanchan G Burathoki and Palistha Kakshapati came up with the exact word that would encompass their debut art exhibition as well as the way that Kathmandu, the place both the artists were born and raised in, makes them feel. Ukus Mukus. The Nepali phrase for a kind of uneasiness.
A collection of drawings, prints and multimedia artworks which narrates daily life in Kathmandu, the exhibition opened at Park Gallery in Pulchowk on April 28.
(Dipesh Shrestha/ Republica)
The upper space of the gallery, almost tailor made for Kakshapati’s work, in which she uses terraces as “symbolic representation of an impartial outlook of watching from ‘up above’” is an installation of the a typical terrace of a Nepali household, with black water tanks, clothes left drying on ropes, gas cylinders and empty beer bottles.
A video installation of several snippets of different terraces in Kathmandu has been projected on loop in an attempt to “capture the essence of the city, things one might miss while walking on the streets, everyday”. Both Kakshapati’s concept and execution are impressive. While visitors who have grown up in Nepali households will be immediately able to identify with the atmosphere created by the atmosphere, the videos are a peek into the daily lives of the inhabitants of Kathmandu.
“I’m not comfortable putting down things on paper and so I work with video and photography,” shares Kakshapati.
The lower level of the gallery exhibits Burathoki’s work. A major part of her work titled ‘Lines in the City’ is a mosaic-like collage of small photo pieces showing the various wires and lines that cover Kathmandu. An extension of what she has been doing since she was in college, this series is an expression of Kathmandu’s chaos, just like her other pieces in which the artists explores herself while expressing herself through lines and patterns.
Some of her works are accompanied by her poetry, both of which are simple yet deep. In comparison to Kakshapati’s work, Burathoki’s work is definitely more personal. One particular drawing, which is almost comic-strip like in nature, about a mountain flight, is particularly poignant and evokes certain nostalgia, a feeling that especially those who’ve lived a loss in the city, can relate with.
“Ukus Mukus, not just refers to the physical space but also delivers the uneasiness in an emotional sense,” says Kakshapati. “These works also depicts an internal state of mind. My works are personal but I’m hoping that everyone will be able to relate with them,” Burathoki adds in.
All in all, the exhibition celebrates the love-hate relationship of these two artists with the place that they call home.
The exhibition continues till May 12, 2013.
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