09.06.2025

 ‘Mountain Mataphor’ - Solo exhibition of Ashoo Sharma at the Roerich Trust  

On 9 June 2025, an exhibition titled ‘Mountain Metaphor’ by Delhi-based artist Ashoo Sharma was inaugurated at the Roerich Trust in Naggar. 

Ashoo Sharma, a civil servant from Delhi, is also a professional photographer and mountaineer. For many years, he devoted his free time to scaling the most remote trails of the Himalayas, to the summits of towering mountains, in pursuit of pristine, snow-capped beauty that could only be witnessed from such elevated perspectives, free from the distractions of mundane concerns. 

Due to health issues, the artist has not been able to climb the mountains for several years. He has therefore decided to capture his passion for the mountains in his art. Ashoo Sharma's background is not in painting; he began painting to share his vision, which he discovered during his travels, and to capture the unique spirit of the mountains in his artwork. The artist acknowledges that he is still developing his confidence in using colour, and as a result, the majority of his works are monochrome and executed in ink and ink pen on paper. However, the works completed in colour demonstrate the opposite, showcasing a captivating use of colour. The artist's ability to accurately convey the dynamic interplay of light on the mountain peaks is noteworthy. His canvases depict peaks such as Machapuchare, Shivling, Adi Kailash, Nanda Devi, Shrikhand Mahadev and others.

The inauguration of the exhibition was attended by the honourable Raja Saheb and former Member of Parliament, ex-MLA Kullu, Shri Maheshwar Singh, who was the Chief Guest. In his speech, the honoured guest highlighted the remarkable depth and sensuality of Ashoo Sharma's art, noting that when viewing his paintings, one can perceive a spirit of mountains and rivers, as well as the essence of the Himalayas, seemingly taking on a vibrant life of their own. The artist does not merely apply colours to paper; he creates entire worlds in which the majesty of nature and the innermost secrets of the mountains come to life. The exhibition 'Mountain Metaphor' is a profound experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, offering a captivating journey into the heart of the Himalayas. Shri Maheshwar Singh expressed his sincere appreciation for the artist's work and extended his best wishes for future success. He emphasised that such art not only contributes to the cultural heritage of India but also serves as a source of inspiration for the younger generation of artists.

Dmitry Surgin, Assistant to the Russian Curator of the IRMT and an employee of the ICR, also visited the exhibition opening as a Guest of Honour. He expressed his deep appreciation for the artist's work and extended his best wishes for continued success on behalf of the Roerich Trust.