Little things in life

Bhuwan Thapa Bahuvi’s solo sculpture exhibition, Self-realization, urges one to appreciate the mundane things in life

Two slices of wood hung up one over the another, on a slope, or a carved log with a hook at one end or a plain log with a flat curve at its ends—the artwork on display at Bhuwan Thapa Bahuvi’s ongoing solo sculpture exhibition, Self-realization, are minimal in design and are mostly the replicas of things that we happen to stumble upon in our daily lives—objects which we seldom care to look at and, more often than not, just plainly overlook.

The exhibit boasts the things that we identify with but then also things we are baffled by. For instance: the aforementioned plain log with a flat curve at one end. Pat yourself on the back if this particular piece of art strikes you as anything more than a hockey stick. Regarding this particular piece of art, Thapa, who is also a faculty member at the Kathmandu University of Fine Arts, was once questioned by one of his students. “What is this all about?

I see nothing about or around it.” Overcome with a sudden whimsy, Thapa replied, “What is it not about?” The student looked on, dazed. Thapa went on: “It is about greed, it is about lust, it is about obsession.” Touching this particular piece of art, hung on the ceiling at Nepal Art Council’s first floor, Thapa confided to me in his thick baritone, “It also looks like the tongue of a lusty bull”, and chuckled, which he often does when an observer offers him with an interpretation on any of his artwork.

When we go about living we often don’t care or have the time to ponder on the little things that we stumble upon. What would you think about when you see a radio now? Obviously, it is sure to evoke a feeling of nostalgia. Thapa’s artwork has that power. The myriad shapes, when you look close enough, are sure to send an avalanche of emotions hurling through you. For example, the fishing hook: It took me back to my childhood and then as I completed a round and took a peek at it once again, it reminded me of the old man in The Old Man in the Sea, which I’d read a while ago— another champion of celebrating little things in life.

When Thapa goes about creating an artwork, he first looks around and then inside himself. There are two ways in which Thapa goes about churning out art. Either he sees the source material (he also works with stone) and realises he can give it a shape he desires. Or, he plays with a definite shape in his mind for a while, draws the shape and then he goes about finding the material that would serve him. Thapa’s works are no game changers, do not have a particular theme, and are not even informative in the least. “I construct what I see, that is all. The current exhibition is the outcome of my past, my present, with my imagination included, and the prospects of future,” says Thapa. On display at the exhibition are some of the most mundane things you can think of. There is an apple, half-cut. There is a collection of brick-like substances stacked one upon another. There are two bricks entwined with a sun and a moon carved into them, our national emblems. Looking at the work, created almost entirely after the quakes rattled the country, one can guess Thapa’s motives—particularly with the recurring themes playing with bricks. And then there are a pair of footprints. The footprint is strange for it is entangled within itself. It can move sideways but not forwards or backwards.

The exhibition constitutes these little things that, however we may neglect, matter. The artworks are the reflections of what the artist saw during his course of life and managed to find a lasting impression in his mind. In other words, these are pieces that made the artist realise the beauty around him and to connect that beauty to himself. Hence, honest, the artist has titled the current exhibit Self-realization.

The artworks on display may be minimal in their forms but are maximum in their effect.

Text by Timothy Aryal Source The Kathmandu Post

Academic Qualification

Master of Fine Arts, M.F.A. (Sculpture), Central Department Of Fine Art, T.U. Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal

 

Faculty:  Kathmandu University, Center for Art and Design, Hattiban, Lalitpur

Solo Exhibition

2016        “Self-Realization” Sculpture Exhibition

                    Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal, Kathmandu

Participation in Workshop/Symposium
2019        International Marble Art Camp
             National Art Gallery, Langkawi, Malysia

2019      Stainless Steel Sculpture Workshop

Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)

Sita Bhawan, Naksal, Kathmandu

2019       ‘Devdaha’ National Wood Sculpture Workshop

      Devdaha, Lumbini

2017        Kathmandu Triennale 2017 (24 March-19April)
Siddhartha Art Foundation & S.M.A.K.
2015      Wood Sculpture Workshop (8 -11, June)

              Hatemalo Abhiyan -2015

                     Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu

2014        “The 12^th World Cultural Art Symposium”(15 Sep.-15^th Oct.)

                     The Mosan Art Museum, Boryeong, Korea

2014       Portrait Workshop 2014 (5,April)

   Sirjana College of Fine Arts

2013        International Sculpture Symposium, Pokhara (17 sep. 1^st Oct.)

              Nepal Academy of Fine Arts

2012        MT. Everest-8848 ART Projet l, Kathmandu (20 sep.-19 Oct.) by

              Da Mind Tree/The ART Club, Nepal

2012         Residential Sculpture workshop (19^th February – 2^nd March)

                      As a Co-coordinator, Nepal Academy of Fine Art 
                      Sita Bhawan, Naxal, Kathmand
2012        National Sculpture Symposium, Butwal (25^th Dec.-7^th Jan.)

       Nepal Academy of Fine Arts/ CAAN,Rupandehi

2012        SAMYOJAN Workshop on ARTENGINEERING, Dhulikhel  (11^th -15^th June)

       As a Supervising Faculty, Art & Design, K.U.

2012        …From Portrait to Self-Portrait…

                      Photographer Antonio Nodar, UK

                      Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre (KCAC),Nepal

2011        An Interactive 3D Sculpture Workshop 
                      Nepal Academy of Fine Art

       Sita Bhawan, Naxal, Kathmandu

2011        Collaborative Art Work 
                      ‘LASANA’ Alternative Art Space (Jyamirekot, Lalitpur) 
2011        Cultural Festival 
                      CULTURE 4 PEACES (KCAC, Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur)
2010        Live Art Hub (17^th -21^st June) 
                      ‘LASANA’ Alternative Art Space (Jyamirekot, Lalitpur)          

2009        Wooden Sculpture Workshop

                      Rising Artist Group Nepal

              Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap , Kathmandu

2009        ‘TISA ‘ Stone Sculpture Workshop – 1129 ( Nepal Sambat )

                       Tisa Sahitya Pala

               Fine Arts Campus , Bhotahity , Kathmandu

2008        A Beautiful Waste 8848 (1^st-6^th June)  
                      Rotary Club of Nepal & ARAMBHA Contemporary Nepali Sculptors’ Group

              Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap , Kathmandu

2007        Wood Sculpture Workshop (23^rd – 27^th may)
                      ‘Artist Society of Nepal ‘

               Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA) Sitabhawan , Naxal , Kathmandu

2006        ‘HARMONY’ Stone Sculpture Symposium

                      Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary Nepal & Japan , Diplomatic
Relationship, ARAMBHA Contemporary Nepali Sculptors’ Group & Tokoname – Nepal Society , Japan

               Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA)Sitabhawan, Naxal , Kathmandu

2005        Wood Sculpture Symposium (21st July – 4th August)

                       Sirjana College of Fine Arts & ARAMBHA Group

                Sirjana College, Kamaladi , Kathmandu

2005        The First Stone Sculpture Symposium (18^th June – 2^nd July)

        ARAMBHA (Contemporary Nepali Sculptors’ Group )

                Sitabhawan , Naxal , Kathmandu

2004         Art against the Racial Discrimination (21st March)

                Jagaran Media Centre, Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal , Kathmandu

2003        Ceramics Training Course (3^rd March – 31^st Sep.)

               SOS Ceramics Training Workshop , Sanothimi  , Bhaktapur

Participation in Group Art Exhibition 

2019           ‘Bandhutwa’ Nepal-Bangladesh Art Exhibition

Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmand

2018         18^th Asian Art Biennale-2018, Bangaladesh Shilpa Academy Dhaka

2018          National Art Exhibition

                Nepal Academy of Fine Art, Naxal, Kathmandu

2018           National Art Festibal

             National Culture Center, Jamal, Kathmandu

2017            National Fine Arts Exhibition (19 June-4 July)
Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
2017            HOMES (Group Art Exhibition)

             Taragaon Museum, Bouddha, Kathmandu

2016             International Art Exhibition
                  National Cultural Centre, Jamal, Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal Fine Art Forum
2015            “SPANDAN” Colorful Universe

                  International Art and Craft Festival (5-9 Oct.)

                            Himanchal Pradesh, Shimla, India

2014             Group Art Exhibition

                            Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu

2011-19        National Art Exhibition

                  Nepal Academy of Fine Art, Naxal, Kathmandu

2012           MT. Everest-8848 ART Project l – Kathmandu and Pokhara

                    Da Mind Tree/The ART Club, Nepal

2012          15^th Asian Art Biennale-2012, Bangaladesh Shilpa Academy Dhaka

2013           ART EXHIBITION OF ACADEMICIANS, Araniko exhibition gallery (NFA)

            by Neal Academy of Fine Arts

2013           Namaste-Embracing Culture , Nepal America Art Exhibition , Kathmandu by

          Nepal Academy of Fine Arts

     2012           Fine art Festival-2012

              Nepal Fine Art association,
Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal

2012            …From Portrait to Self-Portrait…

                            Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre (KCAC)

                            Patan Museum, Lalitpur

2009            Sworna Mahotsab Art Exhibition

              Shree Dharmapur Higher Secondary School
Thulo Lhumpek ,Gulmi,Lumbin

2009          Garbage Out of Thin Air
WWF A living planet (Nag Pokhari , Naxal , Kathmandu)
2008           ‘SAMBAHAK’ Brihad Kala Pardarshani

                          Lalitkala Mancha, Nepal (On Butwal , Lumbini)

2008          Art Space, Naxal, Kathmandu

2007          First National Sculpture Exhibition
ARAMBHA Contemporary Nepali Sculptors’ Group
Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA) , Naxal, Kathmandu

2007          ‘SAGALO ‘ Art Exhibition
Fine Arts Forum, Nepal
Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu

1996-2004     Nation Art Exhibition
Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA) , Sitabhawan , Naxal

2005         ‘ ASON ‘ National Art Exhibition – 2005

                 Artist’ Society of Nepal

                   Sita Bhawan , Naxal , Kathmandu

1998/99         ‘ Art Fair‘
Fine Arts Campus, Bhotahity , Kathmandu

1998            Rangalal Bandel ( Brihad Kala Pradarshani )

                    Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal , Kathmandu

1993/95         T.U. Day Art Exhibition – 1993/95

                    Fine Arts Campus, Kathmandu

Sculpture Collection and Installed

2019    Holley Land (Devdaha, Lumbini)- Dimension: 72″x30″x30″,  Medium: Wood

2017     Silver Jubilee Monument (Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kabhre)- Dimension: 14’x7’x7′, Medium:                     Stones

2017     Purna Kajasha (Tara Gaon Museum, Bauddha, KTM)- Dimension:15’x8’x8′,  Medium: Steel, River Stones

2015     Trap of Tower (Nepal Art Council Museum, Babar Mahal, KTM)- Dimension: Variables, Medium: Wood

2014     Life, Love and Luck (Mosan Art Museum, Boryeong, South Korea)- Dimension: 14’x7’x7′, Medium: Black              Granite

2013     No. 6 (Komagone Park, Pokhara- Dimension: 60″x48″x30″,  Medium: stone

2013    Symbol of Knowledge (Shree Gyan Shiksha Mandir, Kapan, KTM)- Dimension: 40″x40″x40″ , Medium:                   Metal Sheet

2012    The peak of Unity (Shilpakala Museum, Shilpkala Academy, Dhaka, Bangladesh)- Dimension:                                     72″x48″x36″,   Medium: Terracotta

2010    Reflection (NAFA Museum, Sita Bhawan, Naxal, KTM.)- Dimension: 74″x30″x30″, Medium: Mix

2010    Wheel of Life (Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kabhre)- Dimension: Variables, Medium: Cement

2010    Target (Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kabhre)- Dimension: Variables, Medium: Metal Sheet

2010    Movement (Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kabhre)- Dimension: Variables, Medium: Paper Mache

2010   Parcel (Hill Park, Butwal)- Dimension: Variables, Medium: Stone

2010   Birth of Walls (Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Fine Arts, Kritipur)- Dimension: Variables,                                              Medium: Stone and Cement

2009   Awakening (Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Fine Arts, Kritipur)- Dimension: Variables,                                             Medium: Iron rod and Pebbles

2009   Tribhuvan (Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kabhre)- Dimension: 50″x42″x27″, Medium: Iron

2007   Filtration (Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kabhre)- Dimension: 98″x30″x30″, Medium: Iron

Awards

 2015            Excellence Award, “SPANDAN” Colorful Universe

                             International Art and Craft Festival (5-9 Oct.)

                              Himanchal Pradesh, Shimla, Indea

 2014             Fine Arts Award by Bhadra Kumari Sewa Sadan , kathmandu

 2013             Regional Talent Award by Ministry of Culture , Tourism & Civil Aviation , Nepal

 2006             Araniko Young Artist Award, 2064: Nation Youth Trust, KTM, Nepal      

 2006             Creative Yong Sculptor, 2064: Nepal Fine Art Critic Society, KTM, Nepal

 2006          Special Award: The First Nation Sculpture Exhibition by ARAMBHA (contemporary

                              Nepali Sculptors’ Group), KTM, Nepal

 2004              Second Prize: 36^th Nation Art Exhibition, Organized by Nepal Association of Fine Art

                              (NAFA), Naxal, Kathmandu

Involvement

      Assembly Member (2010-14): Nepal Academy of Fine Art (NAFA)  

      President : ARAMBHA Contemporary Nepali Sculptors’ Group , Kathmandu
      Vice President : DOOR Contemporary Art Foundation, Nepal 
      Member: Lions Club of Ktm Fine Arts, Kathmandu

• Art is a necessary tool against indifference
• भुइँचालो ल्याउने दुइटा प्लेटलाई किलाकाँटी ठोकेर राख्न मिल्दैन?
• कलाका पुञ्ज ‘प्रकाश’ (तस्विरसहित)
• Carving the Quake Experience, The Himalayan Times
• Little things in life, Kathmandu Post
• http://www.dcnepallive.com/video/events.php?nid=7834
• http://www.dcnepalonline.com/news/model-photo.php?nid=202558
• भूकम्पपछि बनेकाे त्रासद मूर्तिकला हेर्न उपराष्ट्रिपति पुगे आर्ट काउन्सिल, Khabar Dabali
• http://abctvlive.com/?p=44307
• http://www.damindtree.com/va.html
• मनको कुरा लेख्‍ने हैन ? , US Nepal Online
• Purna Kalasha (Full/Complete vessel), Kathmandu Triennale, 2017