Erina Tamrakar
It would be easy to read that the preeminent themes of Erina Tamrakar’s paintings as only statements of self, identity, and gender, these works are foremost her consciously or unconsciously explorations of her personal journeys and experiences.
It would be easy to read the preeminent themes of Erina Tamrakar’s paintings as statements of self, identity, and gender. These works are conscious or unconscious explorations of her personal journeys and experiences. Tamrakar’s Third Eye series is rooted in the femininity of the subjects, expressed through deep reds. The recurrence of symbols creates a distinct opposition: the introspection of the silent, downward-cast eyes provides point of contrast with the dominant gaze of the third eye, open and red. The imagery of mirroring and reflection in her Couple series similarly speaks to the psyche of the artist.
Erina’s has focused on women and their relationship in her paintings that convey a strong commentary on society and surrounding. The personal moments of the female figures in soft colours and lines immediately attract the viewer’s attention. She is not the radical feminist who makes the established norms upside down. Her characters find joy in conventional roles of women. The seductive, voluptuous and monumental women figures sometimes turn their back to the world and observe themselves narcissistically. She does not crowd the background with clichéd images. As a result, the viewer’s focus is on the characters themselves. Some of her women figures veil or conceal their face or turn side way, perhaps because they cannot tolerate the male gaze. Sometimes, she uses umbrella as the protective instrument. And she creates the continuum of various umbrellas in terms of human situation, context and people. The works present the thorough study of the multiple aspects of umbrella. May be this is the resistance but the mild one. The characters seem to have created their own world, and they are busy and enjoying within. The hurly burly and the rat’s race of the so called modern world does not matter for them. They find dignity in their own personal world.
Despite the change in style and images, the theme of concealment, veil and shyness is persisting in Erina’s works. None of her women look directly to the viewers. Instead turning their face backward or side way, sometimes, her female characters use umbrella, leaf and flowers as the veil to hide their feelings. The use of vines, leaf and flowers has further significances, that is, through these images she links women to the nature. She finds proximity in nature and woman in terms of creativity and nourishing power. The frequent attachment of flower throughout the female body has additional suggestion, that is, fragrance, beauty and vulnerability of women. The female figures may be the mirror image of the artist herself.
The artist also presents nature in anthropomorphic forms. The colors, texture and the shapes of women body resemble to the pristine landscape, huge rocks, cascades of running river and water-cut stones. The images of nature appear in human forms. The variegated colours, vines, leaf, flowers, and the rocks express the artist’s romanticism. She perceives nature as the living organism. Moreover, she envisions nature within human being and human being embedded in nature images. Sometimes, Erina presents her poems and paintings simultaneously creating inter-art relationship between vision and textualiy. She also recycles some of the images and motifs of Nepali manuscript illuminations. Despite being unconventional and altered, her colours present cool and comfortable feeling. The texture created using the layers of colours, arouse the tactile sensation in the viewers.
Co-Founder: Kasthamandap Artists Group and E-Arts Nepal
Assembly Member: Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Kathmandu, Nepal (2071-2075)
Executive Member: JK Art Museum, Pokhara
Member: Women Artists Group of Nepal (WAGON)
Education:
2010: Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
1998: Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Fine Arts College, Kathmandu, Nepal
1986: School Leaving Certificate, Madan Smarak Ma. Vi. Lalitpur, Nepal
2008: Fellowship-Korea National University of Art, Seoul, South Korea
Awards (National):
2019: Theerchaaya Ratriya Kalashree Lalitkala Puruskar, Nepal Kalasahitya Dot Com Pratisthan
2017: Hem Ganga, Mahila Kala Prativa Puruskar
2014: Felicitation and Honor, Tamrakar Samaj
2013 : Master Tej Bahadur Chitrakar Award
2013 : Bhadra Kumari Ghale Art Award
2011 : Young Achiever’s Award, Today’s Youth Asia
2007 : Gold Medal & Arniko Youth Award
2005 : 1st Prize, National Art Exhibition, Artist Society of Nepal, Nepal
2000 : Third Prize, 30th National Art Exhibition, Nepal Association Fine Arts, Nepal
1998 : Consolation Prize, 28th National Art Exhibition, Nepal Association Fine Arts
1993 : Consolation Prize, Sirjana Contemporary Art Gallery, Nepal
Award (International):
2005 : “Old Wind” Award from Chinichi News Paper, Japan
Solo Exhibitions:
2018: Erina’s Paintings, Dalai-La Art Space, Thamel, Nepal
2018: Finding the Roots, Dalai-La Art Space, Thamel, Nepal
2018: Celebration of Womenhood, GG Machaan, Lalitpur, Nepal
2017: Tradition Subverted, Yala Mandala, Patan
2017: In Between the Third Eye, Park Gallery, Lalitpur, Nepal
2014: Windows of my Heart, Imageark Gallery, Lalitpur, Nepal
2012: With Love from USA, Red Carpet Gallery, Kathmandu, Nepal
2011 : Avatars & Interpretations, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu, Nepal
2009 : Silhouettes in Time -2, Imago De’ Cafe, Nagpokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal
2008 : Silhouettes in Time, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu, Nepal
2008 : My Days in Korea, The Art Shop, Kathmandu, Nepal
2008 : My Days in Korea, Insha Art Center, Inshado, Seoul, South Korea
2008 : Collections, Imago De’ Cafe, Nagpokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal
2007 : Mirror of Woman, The Art Shop, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
2006 : Woman in Nature, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu, Nepal
2006 : Woman in Nature, SAARC Art & Craft Village, Kathmandu, Nepal
2004 : Reflection & Reality, Gallery Nine, Nepal
2004 : Nichhal Sparshaharu, The Touch of Purity, Gallery Nine, Nepal
2001 : Reflection of Life, Sirjana Contemporary Art Gallery, Nepal
Group Exhibitions (International):
2019: Nepal Art Now Exhibition, Welt Museum Wien, Vienna, Austria
2019: Parallel Journey, Yak and Yeti, Vienna, Austria
2019: Kyusyu International Art Exhibition, Fukuoka, Japan
2018: ‘Seven Continent of Fashion’, Art exhibition, Cannes Film Festival, France
2018: Hanoi March Connecting 3rd, Hanoi Industrial Fine Arts University, Hanoi, Vietnam
2018: 5th KMUNTB International Art Exhibition, Bangkok, Thailand
2018: 2nd Andaman International Art Exhibition, Andaman Art Museum, Krabi, Thailand
2017: Sasaran International Art Exhibition, Sasaran Art Gallery, Malaysia
2017: Yogyakarta International Art Exhibition, Jogja Gallery, Indonesia
2016: Khajuraho Art Festival, Khajuraho, India
2015: CPI 10th Anniversary, Seoul, South Korea
2015: Nepali Arts, LeSutra Gallery, Mumbai, India
2015: Sasaran Int’l Art Exhibition, Galerie Seni Mutiara, Penang, Malaysia
2014: Group Show organized by Mandala Fine Art Studio, Singapore
2012: Arts of Nepal, The Art Center, Chicago, USA
2012 : Nepali Contemporary Art Show, L’Epicea Galleria, Briancon, France
2012 : Nepali Contemporary Art Show, E-Funktion, Cologne, German
2012 : Nepali Contemporary Art Show, Chautara Gallery, Almere, Netherlands
2012 : Nepali Contemporary Art Show, Berlin, German
2010: Group Show, Cafe Arora, California, USA
2009 : Contemporary Asian Art Exhibition, GHANGWON ASIAN ART FESTIVAL, Seoul, South Korea
2007 : SomArts Cultural Center & Gallery 25, San Francisco, USA
2007 : Peace of Mind, Gandhara, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2007 : Living Canvas – 2007, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2007 : Hotel Hyatt, Dubai, UAE
2006 : Nepal Art Show, Nagoya – Shiaichi, Japan
2006 : Chautara Gallery, Holland
2005 : Reflection of Reality, India Habitat Center, New Delhi, India
2005 : Peace of Mind, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2005 : Nepal Art Show (Nagpanchami), Hakkaido, Takikawa, Japan
2005 & 2008 : Group Show, Den Blank, Belgium
2002 – 03-05-06-07 : Camlin Art Competition and Exhibition, Kolkatta, India
2000 : Group Show, Paris, France
2000 : Group Show, Lhasha, Tibet
Group Exhibitions (National):
2017-2019: Himalayan Art Festival, Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu
2017: Himalayan Art Camp, Pokhara and Kathmandu
2014: Fragments of Mustang, Nepal Art Council, Nepal
2014: Centenary Celebration, Poet Siddhicharan Shrestha, Nepal Art Council
2013: Autumn Festival, on the occasion of 50th anniversary of Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu
2013 : 20th Anniversary of Kasthamandap Art Studio, Sarwanam Gallery, Kathmandu
2010 : Peace – Paintings & Poetry, organized by Royal Norwegian Embassy
2010 : Grand Painting Exhibition, Sirjana Art Gallery, Lazimpat, Kathmandu
2009 : Separating Myth from Reality (Status of Women), International Art Festival, Kathmandu
2009 : International Women’s Day, Group Exhibition, Hotel Annapurna
2009 : Anubhutika Char Bimbaharu, The Art Shop, Kathmandu
2008 : Bagmati on Canvas, Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu
2008 : Art Fair- 2008, Park Gallery, Lalitpur
2007 : The Art Shop & GTZ Office, Kathmandu
2007 : Sangaalo, Nepal Lalitkala Munch, Kathmandu
2007 : Amalgam, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
2006 : Wearable Art Show at Kiran Bhawan & Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu
2006 : IBSEN – Art Exhibition, Embassy of Norway, BICC, Kathmandu
2005 : Art Party & Exhibition, Bhav Art Gallery, Alliance Franciase, Kathmandu
2005 : Anniversary Art Exhibition at Buddha Gallery, Kathmandu
2004 : Painting Workshop, Voice of Wall, Gallery Nine, Kathmandu
2004 : Buddha Gallery & Gallery Moksh, Kathmandu
2003 : Lazimpat Gallery Cafe, Kathmandu
2002 : Three Women Show, Lazimpat Gallery Cafe’, Kathmandu
2002 : Children without art, Jasutara Art Foundation, NAFA
2001 : Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
2000 : Painting on Poetic Expressions, Bhancha Ghar, Kathmandu
2000 : J Art Gallery, Kathmandu
2000 : Group Exhibition “Arts de Neapal”, Paris, France
1999 : Rangalal Bangdel Smriti Art Exhibition, Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu
1999 : Four Men Show at Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
1996 : 2005 : 26th – 36th National Art Exhibition, NAFA, Kathmandu
1994 : X-mas Collections, Srijana Art Gallery, Kathmandu
1994 : Vision 51- Art Exhibition, Fine Art Campus, Kathmandu
1994 : Group 37- Art Exhibition, Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu
1993 : Human Happiness Art Exhibition, Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu
1992 : T.U. Day Art Exhibition, Fine Arts Campus, Kathmandu
1990: Graphic Print Show, Goethe Institute, Kathmandu
1990 : Inter Campus Exhibition, Fine Art Campus, Kathmandu
Participated Art Workshops: (National & International)
2018: The First Art Workshop, Shamdung, China
2018: Hanoi March Connecting, Hanoi, Vietnam
2018: KMUTNB Art Workshop, Amphawa, Thailand
2018: Andaman International Art Workshop, Andaman Art Museum, Krabi, Thailand
2017: Sasaran International Art Festival, Sasaran, Malaysia
2017: Yogyakarta International Art Festival, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
2016: Art for Nature, Langtang, Nepal
2015: Nepal-China Art Workshop, Beijing, China
2014: Nepal-Bangladesh Art workshop, Sirjana Art Gallery, Kathmandu, Nepal
2014: Fragments of Mustang, Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
2013: Dhampus Art Worshop, Pokhara, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts & JK Art Museum
2011 : Sri Ganesh, Art Show at Nepal Art Council, SCC
2011 : Live Painting with Sukarma Music Group at Russian Culture Center
2011 : Live Painting with Rudra Music Group at Blue Notes
2010: The Big Draw, Peace Drawing Workshop by KCAC, Lalitpur
2010 : Thamel Mahatsav – Painting workshop, Mithila Yen Gallery, Thamel
2010 : Shankhu Mahotsav, Shakhu
2010 : Samrishran, The Art Shop, Kathmandu
2010 : Sadbhab, Art Workshop, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, NAFA, Kathmandu
2010 : PEACE – Painting and Poetry at Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence
2010 : Brihat Nabha Kala Karyashala, Bhaktapur
2008 : New Nepal, Nagarkot, Gurukul
2008 : Bagmati on Canvas, Kathmandu
2007 : Women for Women, Painting Workshop & Exhibition, Prerana, Nepal
2007 : Women Artist Workshop, WAGON, The Art Shop, Kathmandu
2007 : Sarbonam Art Workshop, Balaju, Kathmandu
2007 : Peace of Mind, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2007 : Painting Workshop, Fine Art Campus, Kathmandu
2007 : IUCN Art Workshop, Chitwan, Nepal
2007 : Itihansako Baki Pristha, SARBANAM, Kathmandu
2007 : International Artist’s Day, Kasthamandap Art Studio, Lalitpur
2007 : Impression of Manaslu – 15 days Arts and Treks, Manaslu
2006 : Khulla Dhoka, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
2006 : Khulla Dhoka, Siddhartha Art Gallery
2006 : In Memory of Legend Artist R.N Joshi Workshop at Park Gallery
2004 : Poetric Expressions, Painting Workshop, Godawari
2004 : Numanfung Workshop organized by Numanfung Flim Unit
2004 : Contemporary Women Artists in Nepal, Paintings Workshop
2003 : Women Artists Painting Workshop, Artists’ Society of Nepal
2003 : Painting Workshop, Shuvatara School, Lalitpur
2002 : Painting Workshop for Bichalit Bartaman, Bashantapur
2001-2002 : Painting Workshop organized by NAFA – Kala Upaban
2001 : Painting Workshop organized by Voice of Youth, Kathmandu
2001 : Painting Workshop organized by F. M. Radio Sagarmatha
2001 : Painting Workshop organized by Artists’ Society of Nepal
2001 : Painting Women Artists, Painting Workshop by Rotary Club
2000 : Prashanta Smriti Workshop & Exhibition, J Art Gallery
2000 : Painting Workshop & Exhibition, Tibet P. R. China
2000 : Painting & Sculpture Workshop, French School & Alliance Franciase
1994 : Old Master Technique Workshop, Fine Art Campus
1994 : Nepal – India Graphic Print Making Workshop, Nepal Art Council
1994 : Collage Painting Workshop, Alliance Franciase, Kathmandu
1991 : Joint Visual Communication Workshop, Unicef, Kathmandu
2007 : International Artist’s Day, Kasthamandap Art Studio, Lalitpur
2007 : Impression of Manaslu – 15 days Arts and Treks, Manaslu
2006 : Khulla Dhoka, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Kathmandu
2006 : Khulla Dhoka, Siddhartha Art Gallery
2006 : In Memory of Legend Artist R.N Joshi Workshop at Park Gallery
2004 : Poetric Expressions, Painting Workshop, Godawari
2004 : Numanfung Workshop organized by Numanfung Flim Unit
2004 : Contemporary Women Artists in Nepal, Paintings Workshop
2003 : Women Artists Painting Workshop, Artists’ Society of Nepal
2003 : Painting Workshop, Shuvatara School, Lalitpur
2002 : Painting Workshop for Bichalit Bartaman, Bashantapur
2001-2002 : Painting Workshop organized by NAFA – Kala Upaban
2001 : Painting Workshop organized by Voice of Youth, Kathmandu
2001 : Painting Workshop organized by F. M. Radio Sagarmatha
2001 : Painting Workshop organized by Artists’ Society of Nepal
2001 : Painting Women Artists, Painting Workshop by Rotary Club
2000 : Prashanta Smriti Workshop & Exhibition, J Art Gallery
2000 : Painting Workshop & Exhibition, Tibet P. R. China
2000 : Painting & Sculpture Workshop, French School & Alliance Franciase
1994 : Old Master Technique Workshop, Fine Art Campus
1994 : Nepal – India Graphic Print Making Workshop, Nepal Art Council
1994 : Collage Painting Workshop, Alliance Franciase, Kathmandu
1991 : Joint Visual Communication Workshop, Unicef, Kathmandu
Residency & Special Events:
2017: Himalayan Art Camp, Pokhara organized by E-Arts Nepal
2012 : “Art From the Earth” at the American Ambassador’s Residence, Kathmandu
2011 : Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Dashrath Rangashala, Kathmandu
2011 : Menstrual Hygine, Hotel Himalaya, Water Aid
2011 : Honour CNN Hero-Mrs. Anuradha Koirala, Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza
2010 : South Asian Artists Camp, Puducheery Blue, Chennai, India
2009 : Women’s Right on Land, Jyamirkot, Lasana, Lalitpur
2009 : Talk Show, Nepali Women Artists in Nepal, Martin Chautari, Kathmandu
2008 : Korea National University of Art, Seoul, South Korea
2007 : Women’s Heroes, Jyamirkot, Lasana, Lalitpur
2007 : National Youth Festival, International Youth Delegation, Pune, India
2006 : Painting Residency Programme, Sikkim, India
1995 : Nepal – Bangladesh Art Workshop & Exhibition, Pokhara & Sundarijal
1992 : Annimation Workshop for Nepal Television, Kathmandu
Art Tutor: Kasthamandap Artists Group, Kupondole, Lalitpur
Travels: India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Tibet, South Korea, France, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Japan, Austria, Hungary & USA
Members: Artist’s Society of Nepal, Prashanta Memorial Society, Women Artists Group of Nepal
Collections:
Nepal Art Council, Dwarika’s Hotel, Nepal Investment Bank, Agni Group, Everest Bank, Annapurna Hotel, NIC Bank, Fulbari Resort, VOITH Complex (Toyota), Annapurna Hotel, ACE Apartment, Hotel Radisson, Hotel Kutumba, Museum of Nepali Art, Kathmandu Guest House, Civil Group, Andaman Art Museum-Thailand, Vertical Gallery-Thailand, Asian Art Link-Vietnam, Sasaran Art Museum-Malaysia, Chautara Gallery-Holland, and private collection in Nepal and abroad.
