The Visceglia Gallery at Caldwell University is proud to present exhibition ‘Nepal: As It Is’

Caldwell, N.J., Oct. 26, 2015 – The Visceglia Gallery at Caldwell University is proud to present the exhibition “Nepal: As It Is,” a multifaceted celebration of Nepal’s history conceived and developed by Nepali students at the university. It is on view now through November 19.

Adhering to Nepal’s national motto of unity in diversity, the students have shared their perspectives on their country’s diverse religious and cultural traditions as well as their deep identification with the natural environment. Interspersed among nearly a hundred photographs are the students’ written reflections and intimate vignettes about their experiences and affinities with their homeland, people and customs.

Asked what the exhibition meant to him, Yashant Gyawali, a Nepali student, said, “It just feels so awesome. I pass by the gallery so often, and it gives me a 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” offers visitors a glimpse of Nepal and the Nepalese character and also provides a metaphorical bridge for the Nepali students, whose deep connection to their country, still in turmoil following an April earthquake, is more important than ever.

The reception for “Nepal: As It Is” will take place Wednesday, Nov. 11, from noon to 2 p.m. during the Nepali holiday known as Tihar. This is a festival of lights during which tiny lamps are lit indoors and out. The five-day event celebrates the relationship between human beings and gods, the divine link 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 living room floors or courtyards with 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 are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For directions, visit https://www.caldwell.edu/gallery/visceglia-gallery-directions-map.