Tree of Life
S. C. Suman, 2015
Mixed media on Nepali paper
96.5 x 147 cm

© S. C. Suman

My pioneering work in the field of Mithila painting has, from the outset, juxtaposed contemporary issues with traditional forms, natural colours, and the spiritual aesthetics of my native country. By emphasising the techniques, tools, and aspects otherwise on the verge of extinction, I consider myself as representative to the international community of the long heritage of native traditional art of our social semiotics. The wide-ranging issues of Mithila painting covers aspects ranging from the spiritual to the secular, natural disasters to climate change, gender and politics. The traditional sources of Mithila painting date back to the Hindu epics, still considered as an artistic means of awareness- raising on various challenging issues, including the teachings of our society's ancient philosophy. Recourse to painting, aesthetic sensibility and innovation has helped artists in this tradition to reach beyond regional limitations, and has been further supported at the international level. I draw on a classic traditional theme as a means of treating issues of climate change. Through my paintings, Tree of Life exemplifies the how local themes impact upon global issues. Tree of Life depicts nature in harmony with its environment. Birds perch on tree branches, nature, earth, water, air, fire and sky must all be in balance to ensure a perfect environment of clear blue sky, beautiful all-pervasive foliage, a fertile climate for blossoming of plants and the healthy growth of the jungle. The motif behind these paintings, aptly described as the Tree of Life, is the conservation of our environment, since after all, it is this that provides us all with the perquisites for the development of mind and body. This painting adopts an ancient, indigenous, traditional vision and introduces it to the contemporary world.