Kathmandu, January 15
The exhibition ‘Seeking the truth through my eyes’ kicked off on January 14 at Patan Museum, Patan.
The exhibition features 26 portraiture by Chinese artist Zhao Yingming, installation using mix media by Tong Zhou Lafrance from Canada and paintings by seven Nepali artists—Asha Dangol, Bhairaj Maharjan, Binod Pradhan, Erina Tamrakar, Pradip Kumar Bajracharya, Pramila Bajracharya adn Sramik Dangol.
The featured portraitures in the exhibition by Zhao Yingming are created within a span of a week. He visited 20 veteran Nepali artists and personalities where the key objective of engaging with them was the creation of portraits that documented not only their images but also their art and philosophies.
Zhao Yingming, a distinguished Chinese oil painter and visual art educator, bridges ancient
heritage with contemporary art. As the 24th grandson of Yuan Dynasty master Zhao Mengfu,
Zhao blends traditional aesthetics with modern techniques.
About the project, he says, “This project aims to present their stories to the Chinese people and enrich my larger art project. Next, in November, I plan to work on a similar project in Iran. With these efforts, I hope to complete art projects in at least four countries, creating a strong foundation for this broader cultural endeavour.”
Portraiture is at the heart of his artistic practice, stemming from his studies at the China Academy of Art. “Unlike some forms of contemporary art, which can be intellectually complex, portraiture possesses an inherent accessibility that bridges cultural and linguistic divides,” he says.
Zhao Yingming initially planned this art project for Pakistan that shifted focus to Nepal, drawn by its rich historical and cultural heritage and the profound integration of religion into daily life. The project gained significant momentum through the involvement of a Nepali student Sramik studying in China.
The project emphasises the promotion of cultural exchanges between China and Nepal, involving both countries’ artists and institutions. He says, “Through this portraiture project, I hope to honour Nepal’s artistic legacy and contribute to a broader cultural dialogue between our nations. Even if this effort sparks just a small moment of insight or understanding, it will have been a journey well worth undertaking.”
This exhibition is a celebration of their contributions to Nepali art and a testament to the enduring spirit of cultural exchange, will continue till January 16.
