Art is Way to Spread Happiness and Inspire People – Ajit Kumar Sah
प्रकाशित मिति : बैशाख २४, २०७८ शुक्रबार
Ajit Kumar Sah is one of the most imaginative artists of Mithila culture. With an eye for artistic creation, he has created many aesthetically appealing paintings and artworks. In his awe-inspiring paintings, he has not only depicted the majestic beauty of nature but also the heritage and values of Mithila and Nepalese culture. His paintings are so captivating and enthralling that one vicariously experiences the milieu depicted in paintings. For Ajit Kumar Sah, art is a way of expressing and inspiring others. He believes that art is a way to connect to the soul, mind, and body because it leaves an indelible impression and spurs insuppressible feelings. He has devoted about 54 years of his life to inspire and influence people.
Ajit was born in the village, and his parents were farmers. He was always inspired by the spectacular and scenic natural beauty surrounding his village. Whenever he would see an art piece, he would wish for having the ability to create a similar art piece. He wanted to make his house as beautiful as the lush green fields surrounding his village were. He wanted to portray his friends playing in villages, ceremonies, and other social gatherings. He still reminisces about one of his childhood experiences when he saw an artist making an elephant in the artwork. He asked the artist’s reason for making the elephant in art. He never knew that the answer of the artist would make him realize the power of the art. Artist told him that he drew the elephant because he likes elephants; however, he cannot purchase elephants because they are expensive. Hence, he gets happy when he looks at this elephant. At that moment, Ajit realized the power of art. Ajit knew that art can influence emotions, provoke feelings, and inspire others. Hence, Ajit’s interest in art increased. In his class in the school, he was the only male student who was interested in art. His first art teacher and mentor was his mother. Her mother was very good at drawing paintings, and she would draw paintings on the floor in the villages. Though his father always disliked his interest in art, his mother supported him and helped him develop basic painting skills. Under the guidance and mentorship of his mother, he tirelessly worked day and night to develop and fine-tune his painting skills. Where there is a will, there is a way. Soon his efforts met fruition; he became so adept at drawing paintings that he would always win first prize in an art competition. This initial success boosted his confidence and fortified his ambitions to become a skillful artist so that he can make people happy through his art.
Throughout his life, he has won several awards. The award that put him in the limelight was the first place award in the exhibition held on the birthday of King Birendra. The exhibition was organized in Kathmandu, Nepal. At that time, he was 25 years old. Winning such a prestigious award was an honor and a great achievement for him, and this award proved to be an entry ticket to the hall of fame. He was engaged by art admirers from all around the world. He worked with Americans, Japanese, and clients from many other countries. Through his creativity, he created astonishing artwork for every client. In return, his clients patronize him and rewarded him with lucrative rewards. He remembered that he couldn’t believe that moment when one client purchased all his artwork at Birendra Exhibition in Nepal. It was a great honor for him. Though he is specialized in Mithila culture and art, he also designs colorful and exotic handicrafts.
So far, he has presented his artistic works in around 100 exhibitions in different countries around the world. Among these 100 exhibitions, 10 were solo exhibitions and 25 were group exhibitions. In the U.S., he has presented his art in around 10 exhibitions, including the one organized in the United Nations headquarter. Art produced by him has admired people in different countries. He has received the “Rashtriya Prathibha Puraskar” from the government of Nepal. Recently he got an Outstanding award from United Nations. He has earned so many national and international awards. In Ohio, one of his artworks was sold in three thousand and five hundred dollars. It was the most expensive artwork that he ever sold. As he wants to spread happiness and inspire others, he donates a considerable income from the art of supporting good causes.
Ajit has his own and unique philosophy for art. He believes that art is a way of expression. However, one needs a profound understanding and breadth of knowledge for artistic expression that inspires others. Therefore, they thoroughly study the subject matter prior to drawing art. His profound understanding of subject matters helps him depict the different aspects through intricate nuances in art pieces. For the same reason, the artistic works of Ajit are engrossing and captivating. Contrary to the beliefs of many people that artists have gifted qualities, Ajit believes that everyone can be a good artist. All it needs a passion and effort to master the skill of making art. He suggests to new generations who are interested in a career in the field of art, “You must have a passion for art. You must feel that you are born for art. After that, you have to learn techniques of art. Art has itself the biggest field in the world. You can make fashionable art, and so many choices available in the professional market”
Arjit was a sick last year, but nowadays, his own art is healing him. He has a fervent desire to transfer his talent to a new generation before he dies. Nowadays, he is making Art of New York City. He plans to establish a museum. Ajit has already trained many students, and many students have got the national award, which made him extremely proud. Ajit learned basic art from his mother. However, his father has played an equally important role in his success. During a difficult time, his friend’s brother Arun Kumar Sah helped him a lot. Besides the relentless efforts and unswerving commitment, he made several sacrifices also for art. He could not complete his study because of his passion for art. However, he has no regrets. He has a patriotic heart with zealot blood. He is happy because art didn’t only help to promote Nepal worldwide but also spread happiness and inspiration among people.