National Fine Arts Exhibition-2081 concludes

Suresh Lawot Tuladhar of Bungmati, Lalitpur has spent 20 years in traditional sculpture making, especially, carving different gods and goddesses in wood. He belongs to the fourth generation of traditional in his family trade. He is not in a position to say with certainty whether the skill that is being passed down to him will be cultivated by the generation after him or not, however Suresh has dedicated his life to this art.

At the 20thyear of carrier of woodcarving art, he received an unexpected gift this time. ’21 Tara’, which was judged as the best among 522 artworks by 482 artists at the National Fine Art Exhibition of Nepal Fine Arts Academy, 2081, won a prize of rupees 100,000. He takes the award a culmination of 20 years of hard work.

Various motifs related to traditional, modern, religion, culture, history, and daily life were displayed in the exhibition. Among them, his creation is the traditional wooden sculpture ’21 Tara’ stood an exclusive.

Creating traditional art is not easy. He has experience that it is difficult because it has to be made according to the rules and traditions. Besides that, the artist must be perfect in art. In his creation, the five stars are represented by Pancha Buddha (5 different Buddhas in significant postures and meanings). What each Tara means is expressed through symbols, motifs and gestures.

In Buddhism, Tara is popularly worshipped in the Mahayana and Vajrayana sects, and is considered a saviour who bestows longevity and good health on her followers, and guides them towards enlightenment. In the Mahayana tradition, she is closely associated with the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and sometimes referred to as his consort. In the Vajrayana tradition, she is worshipped as the mother of all Buddhas, and a Buddha herself, taking the role of a meditation deity. As the focus of meditative contemplation, she often appears in her fierce form. 

In paintings and sculptures, Tara is typically depicted as a young woman, naked from the waist up, standing or seated on a lotus throne, performing the boon-bestowing varada mudra (blessing posture) with the right hand and the vatika mudra with her left, which sometimes also holds a lotus stalk. The lotus she holds is believed to be the night-blooming utpala or blue lotus. When depicted seated on the lotus throne, her right leg is partially extended towards the ground, with the foot placed on a smaller lotus. Appearing in various manifestations across Buddhist iconography, she is most commonly found in her principal forms Green Tara and White Tara, although depictions as Red Tara, Blue Tara, Yellow Tara and Black Tara, each with their own iconography, are not uncommon.

Artist Suresh opines that Dhyani Buddha is called Pancha Buddha. Pancha Buddha is the collective name of Vairochana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha and Amoghasiddhi.

Manjushree is placed at the point of the first sight. He mentions, ‘the reason for Manjushree to be at the first sight bears a greater meaning saying that he is everyone’s guru. That is why no one is supposed cross it.’ There are signs that identify all the 21 Taras. Which shows its importance of each Tara.

Artist Suresh carved 20 figures on a one single piece of wood. A basic Tara is carved on a separate wood piece.

He had created a lot of woodworks. However, creating this piece of wonderful artwork was the first to make this concept. “ I am happy to get the best award,” he expressed.

Artist Suresh said, ‘this art should be made according to the rules, if there is an exception, the art losses due importance, so it is difficult for anyone to make traditional art.

It took him nine months to create the 21 Tara. This traditional wooden sculpture stayed in his residence for a year. He did not think of taking it to the exhibition, but he decided to send the artwork last January after the institution approached him to participate with the valuable ’21 Tara’.

National Fine Arts Exhibition-2081 was commenced on 28thMay at Nepal Fine Arts Academy (NAFA), Naxal. This year’s exhibition features a revamped selection process, with artworks chosen on a regional basis. The show was concluded on 12th June.

The exhibition showcased a total of 522 artworks by 482 artists from all seven provinces, encompassing a variety of genres, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and traditional and folk art. The regional selections highlight the theme, “Social Transformation Through Fine Arts,” mentions NAFA authorities. (By R. P. Narayan)