11-17.09.2018

Himachali Artist’s Painting Exhibition

On September 11-17, 2018, Swati Sharma, a self-taught artist from Una, Himachal Pradesh, exhibited her works in the International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT), Naggar. The chief guest of the opening ceremony was the famous Buddhist scholar from Lahaul and the president of Lahaul Roerich Society Mr. Tsering Dorje. The guests were welcomed by Mrs. Larisa Surgina, Russian Curator, IRMT (on deputation from the International Centre of the Roerichs, Moscow).

Teaching art to the primary classes at DAV New Shimla, Ms. Sharma finds time to develop her childhood interest in art and keeps painting in oil. One of her main inspirations is Van Gogh, while a recent visit to the Himalayan Roerich Estate inspired her in its own way. “I want the viewers to enjoy the fairy world of my art. People are so sad these days: I wish to brighten their lives with my colours,” says the artist about her motivation in art and choice of palette.

Among the displayed works are her partly imaginary landscapes, glimpses of dreamworlds, reminiscences of her native Himachali village, impressions of her recent trip to Turkey (the spring streets of Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya exploding with bougainvillea bloom), and images of the Buddha who inspires her with his message of peace.

Her landscapes saturated with lush greenery and so full of light and life are, indeed, capable of brightening the viewer’s world and lightening his mood.