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Art gives what life cannot
Sabin Rai, 31, has been in the Jhumka jail in Sunsari for eight years now. Even when enclosed within huge walls, he doesn’t feel like he’s restricted inside them he says.Ramesh Chandra Adhikari
Sabin Rai, 31, has been in the Jhumka jail in Sunsari for eight years now. Even when enclosed within huge walls, he doesn’t feel like he’s restricted inside them he says. “Once I engage in creating a piece of art, I feel like I am as free as a bird,” Rai says. He fills the void in his life with his art.
Now Rai’s paintings adorn the walls of the jail; “Everyone who enters the jail is greeted by Sabin’s art,” says jailer Ganesh Adhikari.
Rai uses water-colour and enamel to create paintings, portraits and murals drawing on religion, politics and current affairs in the world outside the jail. So far, Rai has adorned the walls of the jail with at least 35 artworks.
Rai was always into painting right from his childhood. Born and raised in Dharan, he grew up engaging in art. Once he was arrested and brought to the jail—on allegations of what he refuses to talk about—he was, obviously, shattered.
“One of those days, I came across a senior who tucked away in a corner and thoughtfully engaged in painting,” Rai shared. “It struck a chord, we became friends and drawing on inspiration, I too started painting.”
Rai says he is the most prolific during the times of festivals. “Painting gives me what life cannot. It fills that void that has been there for years,” shares Rai.