Shivangini Rana, a young self-taught abstract artist says, “There is no such thing as a good or a bad artwork. They are all subjective.”

Rana, who started painting professionally around five years back, says the inspiration to do so after having been involved in the hospitality business for a long period of time came from her family.

She explains, “I got inspired from my mother who used to do these beautiful gloss paintings. Even my grandfather and father used to paint. While we have a lot of artists in our family, I am the only one who took it professionally.”

Her first solo show in Kathmandu is currently on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery at Baber Mahal Revisited.

Talking about Rana’s paintings, Sangeeta Thapa, founder director of Siddhartha Art Gallery, says, “Shivangini’s paintings are very colourful and bright. Over the years, I have seen her get better as an artist. I believe, despite her being self-taught, she is as good as any professional who has received formal training.”

Over the 35 years of being in service, Siddhartha Art Gallery has been showcasing the works of many young upcoming artists. And now they are showcasing Rana’s colourful work.

Working on her collection during the lockdown, Rana explains how much she needed inspiration to work and how hard it was for her to be locked up inside for so long.

Most of her works have a heavy tinge of the black shade but are very vibrant and colourful.