Artist’s Statement

‘Nude Carpet’ is one of the most challenging works that I have ever done. I usually work on raw canvases, brown papers, wooden frames, and few other art materials such as wooden barks, found objects etc.  This was the first time I was painting a nude figure on used carpet – as old as 25 years or so. Because of a rough surface of the carpet, it was difficult to create fine lines of a human figure. On top of that, it was a woolen carpet, which means that it soaked all the paint I poured into it – leaving it look dry and unaesthetic. Thus, I had to pour in huge amount color and spent almost a month to get it done.

The idea behind this work is to signify the importance of reusing and minimizing waste .The carpet which I painted was left un-used in my studio for more than a decade. It had lots of stains, it was quite old and I had spilled lots of oil and colors on it. I was thinking of getting rid of it but when I started seeing interesting lines and its original pattern (of flowers on it), I thought of converting it into an art piece. I found its original patterns to be very feminine, and therefore I decided to turn it into a figurative art work – in a form of a female nude

This piece of work has another important element attached to it. The carpet was probably among the first few carpets that our family brought when I was in school. At that time, carpet industry was blooming in Kathmandu . I used to hear stories related to carpet industries – especially about female workers, their struggles and their exploitation. Often, I got to read about rape and human trafficking of female workers in carpet factories. Hence, through this piece of work, I wanted to give tribute to all the female workers of carpet industry who have faced their share of struggles and hardship for their survival.