Colorful Conversations: The Abstract Artistry of Visual Melodies

Kathmandu: In the ever-evolving world of abstract art, where meanings are fluid and interpretations endless, Sagar Manandhar’s latest exhibition, “Visual Melodies,” invites us to delve into the depths of abstraction. Held at Gallery Mcube, Chakupat, Lalitpur from December 3, 2024, this exhibition presents a compelling exploration of color, form, and emotion.

Sagar Manandhar, a working artist and an assistant professor of fine arts at Kathmandu University, balances his roles as an educator, artist, and devoted father. His journey in art is driven by a relentless quest to find his individuality through his creations. ‘The extended quest to locate my individuality is the motivation for my creation,’ Manandhar revealed. For him, painting is an act of inner visualization that captures memories and experiences with enthusiasm, creating an instant overflow of sensuous harmonies.

The exhibition, comprising 41 artworks (22 on the ground floor and 19 on the first floor), showcases Manandhar’s work with materials like acrylic on canvas, plyboard, resin, and gloss medium.

Manandhar’s creative process is a dynamic interaction with his working space, allowing him to work into the late hours of the night. This process is characterized by a continuous, almost meditative dialogue with his canvas. ‘Melodies can sometimes be seen,’ he reflected, capturing the synesthetic experience of transforming auditory sensations into visual symphonies.

One of the features of Manandhar’s work is his use of vibrant brushstrokes, layered transparencies, and thick layers of paint to create a lyrical abstraction. For instance, artwork, an acrylic and acrylic collage on a painted plyboard exudes a soothing experience with layers of pink and orange, evoking an exotic feeling. It’s like being in a peaceful, far-off place, where the colors remind one of warm sunsets and exotic landscapes, bringing a feeling of gentle relaxation.

In contrast, another piece with bold red tones and black offers a powerful, striking presence. This can be likened to the intensity and energy of a dramatic performance or the fierce beauty of a stormy night. This juxtaposition of colors and forms leads viewers through a profound exploration of emotional landscapes.

Manandhar’s fascination with the interplay of sound and vision is palpable in his work. His paintings capture the nuances of different times of day, reflecting how sounds morph and influence our perception of reality. The tactile feeling of high and low pitches translated into visual elements adds a multi-sensory dimension, inviting viewers to experience the art beyond mere sight.

An acrylic on canvas piece dated September 16, 2024, with its shades of pink, creates a serene atmosphere, akin to the gentle embrace of a sunrise. The soft, pastel hues of pink wash over the canvas like the first light of dawn, as if standing in a quiet, blooming garden at dawn, where the air is still, and the world is gently waking up around. The pink tones whisper of peace and gentle beauty, inviting one to pause and breathe deeply.

In contrast, another piece from October 1, 2024, employs bold blue and black tones to evoke a contemplative mood. These colors blend to create a rich, deep visual experience reminiscent of the vast night sky or the mysterious depths of the ocean. The blue tones suggest introspection and a sense of quiet reflection, while the black adds a layer of depth and seriousness. It’s like standing on the shore at midnight, the stars scattered above and the waves whispering secrets to the sand, urging one to ponder life’s mysteries and one’s place within it.

This spectrum of colors allows Manandhar to convey a wide array of emotions, each painting offering a unique visual and emotional journey.

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Manandhar’s method of building his artworks layer by layer ensures each piece is unique and deeply resonant. ‘My canvases are built with countless layers,’ he explained, ‘Each layer adds to the complexity and depth, creating a rich tapestry of colors and textures.’

This meticulous approach results in works that resonate with viewers, offering solace and introspection. His ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible forms challenges viewers to delve deeper and discover the hidden melodies within each piece.

Abstract art, at its core, is about distilling experiences and emotions into their purest forms. It is a realm where the tangible meets the intangible, where form and color transcend literal representation to evoke deeper, often subconscious responses. Manandhar’s work exemplifies this, using abstraction to explore the human experience in ways that are both profound and accessible.

The challenge of abstract art lies in its ability to convey meaning without relying on recognizable forms. Manandhar excels in this regard, using color, texture, and form to evoke a wide range of emotions and thoughts. His work demonstrates that abstraction, far from being a mere exercise in aesthetic experimentation, is a powerful medium for exploring the depths of human experience.

Manandhar’s dedication to his craft and his innovative approach to abstraction challenge us to see beyond the surface and engage with the deeper emotional and sensory layers of his work.  It is a celebration of the endless possibilities within abstract art, urging viewers to uncover the hidden melodies that speak to the very essence of our being.

The exhibition will conclude on Wednesday.

(Photo Courtesy: Jayaraj Kumar Roy Danuwar)