Bhairaj Maharjan
Bhairaj Maharjan has depicted women in street settings and sometimes more intimate portraits of women in secret moments in a most lyrical way that touches the viewer’s heart. He creates the figures with less strokes but decorates their attire lavishly with variegated pattern. His female characters seem to be concerned with human relationship than to the external world. Relaxed posture and friendly look depict the intimate relationship. He prefers to portray naïve country women for their innocence. They keep distance from trickery and political games. Sometimes, they seem alone contemplating or absorbed in daily works, otherwise they are in small circle of friends or relatives. He prefers the setting of primitive life to the so called modern civilization that has been mechanized. It is the nostalgia of the artist of the bygone days. As far as his expression is concerned, he is true to his experience in the sense that he makes the immediate surrounding-the narrow streets, newar architecture and people’s daily life- his subject matter of his landscapes.
Bhairaj Maharjan has depicted women in street settings and sometimes more intimate portraits of women in secret moments in a most lyrical way that touches the viewer’s heart. He creates the figures with less strokes but decorates their attire lavishly with variegated pattern. His female characters seem to be concerned with human relationship than to the external world. Relaxed posture and friendly look depict the intimate relationship. He prefers to portray naïve country women for their innocence. They keep distance from trickery and political games. Sometimes, they seem alone contemplating or absorbed in daily works, otherwise they are in small circle of friends or relatives. He prefers the setting of primitive life to the so called modern civilization that has been mechanized. It is the nostalgia of the artist of the bygone days. As far as his expression is concerned, he is true to his experience in the sense that he makes the immediate surrounding-the narrow streets, newar architecture and people’s daily life- his subject matter of his landscapes.
A few women figures are delineated and explored painstakingly and extensively in terms of their flexibility and beauty. Obviously, this may be the young and energetic artist’s inner drive and quest of splendor. He captures them in their secret moments- bathing, resting, sleeping, changing and oiling their hair. He presents the women with flowing long tresses unbound. Thus, the characters are more personal and introvert than the extrovert and public ones. Sometimes, they appear in the inner spaces. And sometimes, they are enmeshed in natural surrounding.
His exploration of the human characters in the canvas moves from macrocosm to the microcosm, that is, he further separates figures and studies them in isolation. One behaves and expresses differently while in isolation, and in group. The artist captures the private moments and sensual feelings of blossoming women- looking on the mirror, combing the hair and dressing up. Rather than from pre-plan and determination from the artist, these characters assert forth themselves with the play of colours and dictate the artist. His characters have their own autonomy. Few paintings explore the intimacy and love of mother and child.
Bhairaj has also executed wonderful landscapes. The cityscape rises out of strongly delivered patches of colours. The colour composition instantly catches the viewer’s eyes and stirs the imagination. The images of traditional architecture appear in novel forms. He has painted the narrow streets of the valley where people are busy with their daily chores.
He breaks the boundary of creation and liberates himself along the flight of colours. He does not paint the things as we think they are but captures his own impression of the things in particular moment. He also captures the snowscape and mountainscape in dusk, dawn and intense light. The landscape with dominant golden colour seems to be of dawn, with dominant red of dusk and with blue of afternoon. He also represents the whirlwind in the mountain. In other word, he captures every transition and movement in nature. But he highlights the hues to provide immediate effect. As he applies the thick colour, he creates the texture projecting above the surface which arouses tactile sensation in the viewer. As one glimpses his landscapes, he/she enters canvas, and then placed to the strange space. The colour, lines and texture speak immediately than the images and figures in his works.
He also depicts the feeling and mood of monks. As a response to violent political events, he turns toward Buddhist way of life for comfort and consolation. The images and figures of ancient Nepali sculptures and paintings also get space in his works. Among them, Bhairaj reintegrates the images related to the spiritual journey of the Buddha and his meditation. As in the manuscript illuminations, verbal texts in Tibetan script are put together with visual images of meditating Buddhas. He also shares decorative images from early arts. In addition to the central images in foreground, the texture and the background provide immediate aesthetic sense. They arouse tactile and visual sensation in the viewers. The images in the painting depict the texture of real stone in some parts. However, the overall treatment is modern, that is different from traditional stone sculpture.
Date of Birth : : June 16th 1971
Education:
1994: Bachelor in Fine Arts, Fine Art College, Bhotahity, Kathmandu, Nepal
Solo Exhibitions :
2012 : In Search of Peace – Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu, Nepal
2008 : ISOLATED Figures – The Art Shop, Durbar Marga, Nepal
2008 : Collective Expressions – Imago Dei Cafe Gallery, Nag Pokhari, Nepal
2006 : TRANSITION, A Passage of Time – The Art Shop, Kathmandu, Nepal
2004 : Secret Moments – Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu, Nepal
2002 : Inhabitants – Park Gallery, Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Group Exhibitions :
2019 : Himalayan Art Festival, Kathmandu
2018 : Himalayan Art Festival, Kathmandu
2017 : Himalayan Art Festival, Kathmandu
2011 : National Fine Arts Exhibition – 2011, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Naxal
2011 : Group Painting Exhibition, Russian Culture Centre, Kathmandu
2011 : Shree Ganesh – Painting Exhibition, Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu
2010 : Peace, Painting & Poetry, organized by Royal Norwegian Embassy, Kathmandu
2010 : Grand Painting Exhibition, Sirjana Art Gallery, Lazimpat, KTM
2009 : Separating Myth From Reality, an International Art Exhibition, Kathmandu
2009 : International Women’s Day, a group exhibition, Hotel Annapurna
2009 : 15th Anniversary of Kasthamandap Group – Sidhartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal
2008 : Art Fair – 2008 at Park Gallery, Pulchowk, Lalitpur
2008 : X Mas Collection – Imago Dei Gallery, Nag Pokhari, Kathmandu
2008 : World Festival 2008 – NAFA, Kathmandu
2008 : Amalgam – Exhibition organized by Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
2007 : Amalgam – Exhibition organized by Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
2007 : Sangalo, organized by Nepal Lalitkala Munch, Kathmandu
2006 : Khulla Dhoka – Siddhartha Art Gallery
2006 : Inspired Expression, a group paintings exhibition, Park Gallery, Kathmandu
2006 : Nepal-Japan Diplomatic Relation – Painting Exhibition, NAFA, Kathmandu
2006 : Wearable Art Show at Kiran Bhawan & Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu
2006 : Kasthamandap Group Show, The Art Shop, Durbar Marg
2006 : Kasthamandap Group Show, GTZ Office, Sanepa
2005 : Anniversary Art Exhibition at Buddha Gallery
2004 : Kasthamandap Group Show at Gallery Moksh
2004 : Kasthamandap Group Show at Buddha Gallery
2003 : Kasthamandap Group Show at Lazimpat Gallery Cafe
2002 : Kala Upaban Paintings Exhibition, NAFA, Kathmandu
2002 : Four Men Show at Sirjana Contemporary Art Gallery
2002 : Children Without Art, organized by Jasutara Art Foundation
2001 : Kasthamandap Group Show at J Art Gallery
2000 : Kasthamandap Group Show, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
1999 : Rangalal Bangde lSmriti Art Exhibition, Nepal Art Council
1998 : Four Men Show at C.S.I. Gallery
1996-2005 : 26th – 35th National Art and Craft Exhibition, NAFA
1994 : Group 37- Art Exhibition, Nepal Art Council
1994 : Vision 51- Art Exhibition, Fine Art Campus
1992 : T.U. Day Art Exhibition, Fine Arts Campus
Exhibitions in abroad;
2019 : Chiang Mai Art Connecting, Exhibition in Chiang Mai, Thailand
2019 : Hanoi Art Connecting 4, Exhibition in Hanoi, Vietnam.
2018 : KMUTNB 5th International Art and Design Workshop 2018 and Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand.
2018 : 2nd Andaman International Art Workshop and Art Exhibition, Krabi, Thailand.
2017 : Shanghai International Contemporary Art Exchange and Workshop 2017, Shanghai, China.
2016 : Solo City International Art Camp Exhibition, Indonesia
2016 : Khajuraho Art Festival, Khajuraho, India
2015 : Group Exhibition, Le Sutra, Mumbai
2013 : Chanting Icons, Visual Art Gallery, Delhi
2012 : Nepal Now, Colon, Germany
2012 : Open art Exhibition, Berlin, Germany
2012 : Contemporary Nepali art show, Briancon, France
2013 : Contemporary Nepali art show, Chautara Art Gallery, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2012 : Paintings Exhibition, Chicago, USA
2010 : Kasthamandap Group Show, Cafe Arora, California, USA
2009 : Colors and Impression, by SAARC Woman Association, Bangladesh
2009 : Harmony, Group Show at Reflections Art Gallery, Indore, India
2008 : Living Canvas, show at Youth Development Hall, Thimphu, Bhutan
2008 : Breaking Boundaries, Group Exhibition, Druk Hotel, Thimphu, Bhutan
2008 : Himalayas of Nepal, Honggang Gallery, Ulsan, South Korea
2008 : Himalayas of Nepal, Alfa Gallery, Seoul, South Korea
2008 : WORKS Annual Member’s Art Exhibition, SanJose, CA, USA
2008 : Kasthamandap Group Show, Den Blank, Belgium
2007 : Living Canvas, show at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Srilanka
2007 : Peaceful Mind, Painting Exhibition, Gandhara, Colombo, Srilanka
2007 : WORKS Annual Member’s Art Exhibition, San Jose, USA
2007 : Open Art Studio-2007, Palo Alto Studio, Palo Alto, USA
2007 : Kasthamandap Group Show, Gallerie 25, USA
2007 : Reflection of Reality, Som Arts Cultural Center, USA
2006 : 7 Young Artist from Kathmandu, Chautara Gallery, Holland
2005 : Reflection of Reality, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India
2005 : Nepal Art Show, Nogaya, Japan
2005 : Kasthamandap Group Show, Galerie de Colombo, Sri Lanka
2005 : Kasthamandap Group Show, Den Blank, Belgium
2002 – 2009 : Art Exhibition / Competition, organized by Camel Art Foundation, India
Workshops / Art Camps:
2019 : Chiang Mai Art Connecting, Chiang Mai, Thailand
2019 : Hanoi Art Connecting 4, Hanoi, Vietnam.
2018 : KMUTNB 5th International Art and Design Workshop 2018, Bangkok, Thailand.
2018 : 2nd Andaman International Art Workshop and Art Exhibition, Krabi, Thailand.
2017 : Shanghai International Contemporary Art Exchange and Workshop 2017, Shanghai, China.
2017 : Himalayan Art Camp – 2017, Pokhara, Nepal
2016 : Solo City International Art Camp, Indonesia
2013 : Miteriko Lagi Kala Karyashala, organized by Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and JK Museum
2012 : Painting Workshop, Transparency International Nepal at Nepal Academy of Fine Art
2011 : Painting Workshop in memory of Poet Shiddhi Charan Shresth, Nepal Academy of Fine Art
2011 : Live Painting on Stage with Sukarma Band, organized by L’Art en Poche, Kathmandu
2011 : Live Painting on Stage Rudra Band, organized by Green Tara Nepal, Lazimpat
2010 : Artistic Happening – painting and poetry at Norwegian Ambassador’s Residency,
2010 : Thamel Mahotsav – painting workshop, Mithila Yen Gallery, Thamel
2010 : Sadbhav – painting workshop organised by Nepal Academy of Fine Arts
2010 : The Big Draw – Peace Drawing Workshop By KCAC, Nepal
2008 : Breaking Boundaries – Workshop with Bhutanese Artist, Thimphu, Bhutan
2008 : Helping Flood Victims – at Gurukul by Loktantrik Abhiyan
2008 : Bagmati on Canvas – organized by Friends of the Bagmati, Ktm. Nepal
2007 : International Artist Day – art workshop, Kasthamandap Studio, Lalitpur
2007 : A Creative Workshop for Peace and New Nepal” at Nagarkot, organized by Gurukul,
2007 : Peaceful Mind – Painting Workshop Galle Face Hotel ,Srilanka, Colombo
2006 : Arts and Treks, Annapurna Round Circuit, Pokhara, Kaski
2006 : Inspired at the Garden of Dreams – organized by Siddhartha Art Gallery
2006 : Inspired Expression – workshop, Park Gallery, Lalitpur
2006 : Painting Workshop – Rupak Smriti Pratisthan, Satdobato
2006 : Khulla Dhoka – Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
2004 : Poetric Expressions at Godawari, Kathmandu
2004 : Gift for Sight- Lions Club of Pashupatinath, Tilganga Eye Hospital, Kathmandu
2004 : Meditation Art Workshop at OshoTapoban for One Week
2002 : Kala Upaban – workshop, NAFA, Kathmandu
2002 : Kala Karyashala – organized by Lalit Kala Sangam, Biratnagar
2002 : National Contemporary Painting Workshop, organized by Sirjanasil Kalakar Samuha” Pokhara
2001 : Workshop organized by Voice of the Youth
2000 : Prashanta Smriti Workshop, NAFA
2004 : Old Master Technique Workshop, Fine Art College, Kathamandu
1992 : Animation Workshop for Television Design, by Motion Art, Kathmandu
1991 : Joint Visual Communication Workshop, Unicef
Awards :
2010 : Honored by Jyapoo Society, Lalitpur, Nepal
2009 : Winner of 10th Eastern Region Art Exhibition 2009 in Professional Category, Kolkata, India
2009 : Artist of the Year 2065, Kala Krant Abhiyan, Jamal, Kathmandu
2008 : Arniko Youth Award, Gold medal, National Youth Service Trust, Kathmandu, Nepal
2005 : Best Field Work, 2D Animation, Demo Reel-2005, Pentasys Technologies, Kathmandu
2004 : 1st Prize, National Art and Craft Exhibition, Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA)
1994 : Best Prize, Greeting Cards Design Competition, Bhaktapur Craft Printers, Bhaktapur
1994 : Consolation Prize, ” Inter College Painting Competition, Kathmandu
1992 : 1st Prize, Tisha Magazine Book cover Design, Lalit Kala Campus, Kathmandu
1988 : Consolation Prize, “School Level Painting Competition” Himalaya Bidhya Mandir, Naxal
Travel: India, USA, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand and Vietnam.
Collections :
Prime Minister’s Residence-Nepal, Fred Hollows Foundation-Australia, Nepalese Embassy –USA, Sunrise Bank – Kathmandu, Nepal Investment Bank – Kathmandu, Hotel Annapurna – Kathmandu
Private Collections in Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Kenya, Korea, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal,
Sri Lanka, Switzerland, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, UK and USA
Associate Organization :
Tara Art House Pvt. Ltd (Director)
E-Arts Nepal (Founding Member)
Kasthamandap Artist Group (Founding Member)
Prashanta Memorial Society (Co-patron)
Young Artist Group (Member)
Artist Society of Nepal (Member)
Works, San Jose, USA (Member – 1997-98)
