Canvassing for Peace

In 2000,Nepalese artist Govinda Sah Azad undertook a solo cycle tour from east to west Nepal,with the slogan,“The 21st Century is the Century of Art and Peace”. His exhibition at Art Konsult,Delhi,titled Shrishti Chakra ,follows the same theme. One of the exhibits,Mukti Salvation,comprises 60 canvases and is dominated by Tibetan prayer flags. “It is believed that the wind blows the prayers written on these flags into the surrounding environment to spread good will. With this idea in mind,I am hoping these prayers will help heal the Earth,” says this alumnus of The University of the Arts London,UK.

Nature is his other muse — as a green world comes under attack from global warming. Clouds,for instance,are often used as the central theme of several paintings as Azad depicts nature’s emotions such as that of anger,happiness,sadness and calmness through varied colours such as bright red,blue,black and white.

Govinda has also used elements from Hinduism such as emotion and infinity that consist of four canvases arranged in the shape of Swastika,a symbol for prosperity and good fortune. The artist lets loose his romantic imagery in the painting,The Rise,which shows a full moon shining against the darkness of the night.

The exhibition is being held at Art Konsult till September 24.