Artist Shrawan Kumar Maharjan’s second solo exhibition—titled The Frogs—opened in the Capital on Monday. The exhibit, hosted by the Taragaon Museum in Boudha, features 21 brass sculptures of anthropomorphised frogs and was inaugurated by sculptor Thakur Prasad Mainali.

The exhibit features sculptures of frogs in various styles and environments. At the show, the artist has used the physical medium of frogs to explore universal themes such as cleansing, healing, renewal, rebirth, fertility, abundance and metamorphosis, drawing motifs from his own early childhood.

In his artistic statement, Maharjan says, “The frogs are meant to represent my childhood memory. Kathmandu is my hometown, so I relate to frogs to give my creations a complete form. In some sculptures, I also tried to fuse Hindu traditions, culture and legends.” He further added, “I focused childhood memories, joy, the innocence of children, Kathmandu’s lifestyle and Newari traditions by personifying the frogs.”

In line with the artist’s exploration of the fond childhood memories in the Valley, most of the sculptures feature Kathmandu’s lifestyle and the innocence of children. One sculpture titled Wheels Player has two frogs playing with a bicycle wheel and a stick, while another piece titled Basket Carrier has frogs carrying the traditional Kharpan. In an interesting addition, the sculpture, Kathmandu, places frogs around the famous monuments of the Valley. Other sculptures like the Kite Runner and Playing in Winter portray the fun childhood games; while Drink during Supper, It’s Raining, and Ground-Nut Seller use the frogs to capture everyday life of the Valley’s residents.

The exhibition is slated to continue till September 11.