Nepal hosts painting exhibition of bird artists from single

KATHMANDU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A 10-day painting exhibition focused on various species of birds is underway in Nepal's capital under the title "Birds of Nepal: The Art of Hira Lal Dangol and His Family Legacy."

This is the first time in the country's history that five bird artists of a single family have come together for an art exhibition.

The exhibited paintings of 77-year-old Hira Lal Dangol, along with four members of his family, have represented the genre of bird painting in a spectacular way.

Hira Lal is a veteran artist of Nepal working in the field of bird wildlife paintings over the last 50 years.

The exhibition has showcased paintings of Hira Lal and his four children - Pushpa Lal, Meena, Pratima and Ishwor Dangol.

Along with birds' species, their artworks have highlighted snow-capped mountains, lush green hills, flora and fauna and the natural beauty of Nepal.

Nepal harbors over 8 percent of the world's birds and is currently home to 886 different species.

"We conceptualized this painting exhibition since five years ago. Prior to painting, we roamed around dense forests, waited for birds, shot photos and studied them. Painting is a long process. Finally, a dream came true through this exhibition," Hira Lal Dangol told Xinhua.

His paintings have reflected his early traditional painting days to the current renowned artistic recognition carrying a family legacy.

Hira Lal's bird paintings have already been published in the book "Birds of Nepal" in 1976 in cooperation with an American ornithologist.

Dangol family recreates the natural world of birds in their paintings including size, colors, posture, altitude, natural environments with complete habitat.

His eldest son Puspa Lal Dangol, who has chosen painting as not only the hobby out of family environment said that he is happy practicing the art to keep his father's legacy.

"I was lucky that I could spend my whole childhood learning from an artist father. I even went abroad for 12 years but my passion remained the same. I am following my father's footsteps and it's our honor that we have been able to show our works as a family."

The art show which started on Jan. 4 will run till Jan. 13.