A festival focused on the work of internationally acclaimed artist Govinda Sah ‘Azad’ together will also include with a series of workshops, talks, performances, meditation and relaxation sessions next month.
Margate-based contemporary painter Govinda Sah ‘Azad’ exhibits large-scale paintings inspired by Thanet, the skyscapes of his homeland Nepal and the mysteries of the cosmos.
He will exhibit his work at ARK in Cliftonville – the former Shul building in Albion Road- as part of the Infinity festival from February 2-11.
Govinda works with oil and acrylics, and sometimes smoke on canvas, to builds layers into his paintings.
At the centre of the exhibition will be the triptych painting Lumbini: Blessed Land (2022). Lumbini is a small village in central Nepal, to which Govinda made a pilgrimage in 2000.
It is known for being the birthplace of the Buddha and the location where he found enlightenment under a great Banyan tree, which still stands there today.
Govinda originally apprenticed as a sign painter in Nepal, before going on to study at the Fine Art College of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal and Wimbledon College of Art.
Although Govinda’s work has been exhibited internationally, this is the first time it is being shown in his home town.
Events
Infinity is at ARK, Cliftonville’s Cultural Space, between February 2-11. The exhibition is open Monday 5th – Friday 9th February, as well as during the following events.
Exhibition Launch event – Friday 2nd Feb 6pm – 9pm The opening of the exhibiton, will also include performance from dancer and choreographer Ash Mukherjee.
Children’s workshops Sat 3rd 11am- 3pm ( one-hour sessions 11-12/ 12.30-1.30/ 2- 3pm) Age 8 – 13 years – A short introduction to Govinda’s work and approach to painting where children design and create their own canvas.
Vishnu’s Got My Back – Sat 3rd 7.30pm – 9pm – a queer coming of age story of endurance and regeneration, as seen through the lens of a first-generation Indian immigrant. The show, starring Ash Mukherjee, features original songs, spoken word and choreographed Bharatanatyam segments.
An Odyssey through Infinity – psychedelic projections, art, sound, and breathwork – Sun 4th Feb 6pm – 8.30pm – a special journey through Govinda Sah’s art through visual projections by Shaun PRICKIMAGE.
Serenity Soirée – a therapeutic taster session / ARK fundraiser – Fri 9th Feb 6pm – 9pm – An evening of relaxation, connection and nurturing. From soothing massages to transformative sound healing.
Meditation for children – Sat 10th Feb 11am- 12noon Age 5+ An opportunity for children to experience the basics of mindfulness.
Spirituality, Art, Science, Wisdom, and Everyday Life – Sat 10th Feb 2pm – 3.30pm – Dr Larry Culliford, talks about happiness, well-being, wisdom, and love, sharing his reflections on art and spirituality. Followed by a Q and A.
The Orchestra from Everywhere – Sat 10th Feb 7.30pm – 9pm – Musicians from Syria, Iran, Hong Kong, Palestine, Ukraine and India play traditional music from their own cultures as well as new music that they have developed together.
Journey into Infinity: Festival Finale with Govinda Sah’s Art, Cacao Ceremony, and Cosmic Sound Healing – Sun 11th Feb 6pm – 8.30pm – The festival closing event.
