Nepal’s first Deaf Art Exhibition. It was named ‘Eyes Empowered: Part Two. ‘Eyes Empowered: Part One’ had happened in Coimbatore, India in 2007.
Now it was 2008 and time for ‘Eyes Empowered: Part Two’. The venue was what is called an ‘ideal haven for business and leisure’. The idyllic Himalayan Hotel rising, spreading in the midst of 6 and half acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. “I was excited” is an understatement. What was then known as the Laxmi Bank had come forward to sponsor my vision. It was finally possible to showcase works of art done exclusively by Deaf artists. If am not mistaken, the event could have been a first timer in the country.
Would I be able to immediately locate Deaf Artists of Nepal with art works to display? At the time, it was a challenge but not entirely without success. Beautiful and young Rashmi Amatya, who had been part of my Dance without Music team, was an artist and she had a goodly number of works to show. Though, this was not enough for an exhibition and I had to turn to my Deaf roots in India.
Well, these very dear Deaf friends from all over India, some 32 of them, just rallied to support the event, travelling by road all the way to Kathmandu, carrying some 80 works of art. Some were great creations done with oil on canvas while others were simply refreshing works in water colors together with many intriguing abstracts produced digitally and yes, some were just amazing 3D works.
The question was where would they stay? Again, the generous sponsor agreed to put them all up in rooms at the Park Village Resort. Just about 10 minutes’ walk from my home. Where would they eat? We had a dear friend and caterer together with his wife agree to come home and prepare breakfast lunch and dinner. All served under a neat canopy spread outside in the garden. Great opportunity for all of us to sign away, enjoying such warm fellowship! Please enjoy the photographs.
Travelling to the venue in a bus was another experience to remember! We climbed into the bus, with all the art works and the Deaf friends were not only from India but from Nepal as well. The 30 minutes’ drive was time to sign and mingle!
On the first floor of the hotel was the assigned hall for the exhibition. In about 2 hours’ time, we Deaf worked together and all the paintings were displayed as aesthetically as possible. Next, it was time to look at the hall for the event launch with presentations. Two large screens were set up to amplify not voices but images of Deaf Artists and Deaf Guests as they signed their introductions and messages. On either side of the aisle were seating. One side for Deaf guests and the other for the Hearing invitees.
The day dawned. The photographs tell you the story. We had an impressive Deaf presence. But side by side were Ministers, members of Parliament, diplomats, NGO and INGO representation, academicians, corporate or business entrepreneurs, bankers and guess who else? A whole group of some 20 Deaf from Britain communicating in the 2 handed British Sign Language.
So it was a Deaf Art exhibition with Deaf from India using Indian Sign Language, Deaf from Nepal communicating in Nepali Sign Language and yes the Deaf from Britain with British Sign Language and yes, they were ready with an interpreter. Nothing would be missed!
Finally, here’s one little detail I just want to share. Who would cut the inaugural ribbon? We did something different. Little Deaf girl students from the Kathmandu School for the Deaf, all meticulously dressed in their school uniforms led the way to the exhibition hall, accepted the scissors on a silver plate and did the honors! Please enjoy the photographs!
The exhibition last for one week. But the memories created, the friendships that began were going to last a lifetime.
