His works from the time he was just a five-year-old child to the year 2006 have been put up at the ‘Grand Art Show — 2006’, which is being held at National Association of Fine Arts (NAFA). Organised by the Everest Art Gallery with the intention of documenting Kiran Manandhar’s work in the development and growth of Nepali contemporary art, the exhibition has over 300 of Manandhar’s works including sketches made at the age of five and recent ones like Mandala, Buddha and Buddhism, Himalayas and Democratic movement. Imagination and the combination of vibrant colours make the paintings speak Manandhar’s words. His paintings are mostly about human nature and emotions. This is evident in the way he has played with the bold and vibrant hues in translating his feelings and imaginations on canvas. The paintings ignite the same feelings to the viewers as imagination flows in its purest form through his brush strokes. Use of different mediums like rice paper, jute, plywood, nanglo and even cardboard as canvas shows versatility in his work. Every dramatic stroke, touch of charcoal and graphical shapes gives liveliness to the works, which not only catches one’s attention but also leaves one spellbound. A book titled Kiran: Saga of the Modern Nepali Artist was also launched at the inauguration of the exhibition. The book has 108 of Manandhar’s works along with news clippings and articles written on him and his work. Laxmi Prakash Sainju, director of Everest Art Gallery said, “It took us eight months to collect the paintings and publish the book. Only 319 paintings are exhibited due to lack of space. We published the book with the sole intention of letting the new generation know who Manandhar is and the contribution he has made in the art field of Nepal. This book is the evidence of an artist’s struggle.” He added the gallery had been closely observing and studying Manandhar, his works and his devotion on the development of contemporary art in Nepal. So they felt the need of proper documentation of this artist’s work. Mandhar himself said, “During the people’s revolution, I became kind of colour blind. It made me very emotional and I felt all the colours of life draining away. But after peace has returned to our country, I am again inspired to paint better.” He said he has an emotional attachment with the exhibition as it has presented paintings from his early childhood. He added that the future of art in Nepal is very bright and that artists are also getting better appreciation than ever before. At this stage the concerned authorities should help the new generation in the art field by providing better education and by improving bachelor and master courses in fine art, said the painter. The exhibition is on till December 30.