Sashi’s Art Studio presents ‘Ekadeshma’, an exhibition held under its annual student showcase, featuring works by Kabir Kayastha and fellow student artists.

Kayastha is a graduate of the Kathmandu University School of Arts. Based in Bhaktapur, he draws from cultural elements and narratives, particularly the figure of ‘Khyah’ in this exhibition.

“As an artist, watching friends migrate feels similar to the story of Khyah vanishing. Their absence creates silence in everyday rituals, jokes and spontaneous chaos,” notes the artist’s statement.

Kayastha has merged the characters from Newa folklore to discuss the crucial matter of large-scale emigration. Not only is the theme of ‘Ekadeshma’ sensitive, but it is also a result of artistic labour—printmaking is a meticulous and time-consuming medium.

The artist has also used linocut, a type of block printing that uses carving a design on a lino block and printing it with ink on paper.

Using passports as a recurring symbol, Kayastha wants his viewers to discuss identity, migration and the emotional void that comes when people leave their homeland.

Along with his works, other students from Sashi Art Studio are presenting their pieces under the theme of ‘Nirantarata’, creating a collaborative exhibit.

“Conducting our annual exhibitions of aspiring student artists is a way to encourage them and their work. I think this kind of initiative could be taken by other small art studios as well,” says Samjhana Rajbhandari, the founder of the studio.

Sashi’s Art Studio’s approach to exhibitions is to provide young artists with a platform to showcase their work. The studio provides scholarships to deserving fine arts students in memory of Rajbhandari’s late father through the Shree Bidhya Dhis Rajbhandari award.
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Ekadeshma

When: Until June 4

Where: Sashi’s Art Studio, Balaju

Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry: Free