Nepal: As It Is
The Visceglia Gallery at Caldwell University is proud to present:
Nepal: As It Is
October 22 – November 19, 2015
Reception: Wednesday, Nov. 11th 12 – 2 pm
‘Nepal: As It Is’ is a multifaceted celebration of Nepal’s history conceived and developed by the many Nepali students community at Caldwell University. In alignment with Nepal’s national motto of unity in diversity, the students have shared their perspectives on their county’s diverse religious and cultural traditions, as well as their deep identification with natural environment. Interspersed among nearly a hundred photographs the students have shared written reflections and intimate vignettes, about their experiences and affinities with their homeland, people and customs. When asked what the exhibition meant to him, Yashant Gyawali, one of the Nepali students said, “It just feels so awesome. I pass by the gallery so often, and it gives me feeling of love and affection. It brings me back so many memories. I feel like everything displayed in the gallery belongs to me. Also, I feel so proud that we, as a team, were able to portray our perspective and experience about Nepal in a foreign land.” In this way, ‘Nepal: As It Is’, is an opportunity for visitors to catch a glimpse of Nepal and the Nepalese character, and is also a metaphorical bridge for the Nepali students whose deep connection to their country, still in turmoil following the earthquake, is more important than ever.
The reception for ‘Nepal: As It Is’, will take place during the Nepali holiday known as ‘Tihar’. Tihar is a festival of lights, in which tiny lamps are lit both indoors and out. This five-day festival celebrates the divine relationship between human beings and Gods, but also the divine between brothers and sisters as well as animals including crows, cows and dogs due to their special relationship with people. In homes, patterns called rangoli, are created on the floor of living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored flour, sand or flower petals, as a sacred welcoming area for the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The reception will include the lighting of lamps and rangoli patterns.
This event is free and open to the public.
Gallery hours: Daily 9-5 PM
For directions visit:
https://www.caldwell.edu/gallery/visceglia-gallery-directions-map/