Shivangi Singh’s Mithila Art Paintings feature at the UN’s Art for SDGs: The Mithila Heritage Exhibition

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Shivangi Singh, a US-based artist, exhibited her paintings at the week-long ‘Art for SDGs: The Mithila Heritage’ exhibition held July 8-17 at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.

Part of the Art for SDGs events focusing on the UN adopted Sustainable Goal 13 on Climate Action promoting community awareness, the exhibition was organized by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN, the Consulate General of Nepal in New York, the Mithila Art and Culture Center/ Mithila Festival in America, and exhibited works by artists from Nepal and India working in the Mithila tradition.

Mithila art, also known as Madhubani art, was a form of Folk Art, originating in the Mithila region and having its roots in India’s mythical history. Mithila region included Videha Kingdom and Janakpur in the Eastern Terai region of Nepal was its capital. In Indian mythology, Sita, Lord Rama’s wife, was from Janakpur. She was also known as Maithili and Vaidehi.

Handed down from generation to generation of women, these paintings were known for their natural colors, handmade tools, and everyday symbols and motifs. Characterized by thin lines which were drawn using finger tips, the paintings have been also known for the harmony of colors and portrayal of rituals and festivals. The sun, the moon and nature are pre-dominant motifs.

Shivangi Singh is a US based Mithila artists, a photographer and a writer. Singh is known for working in different art forms and mediums, and has exhibited her artwork at various places including the New York Academy of Arts. Her artwork was also displayed at Mithila Heritage event hosted by NY Mayor Eric Adams.

Singh has been exploring Mithila Art for a few years, depicting mythological stories and contemporary aspects of culture, using motifs and shadow work of the art form.

Singh has been recognized and praised for her paintings at prestigious forums. Her paintings featured in the Mithila Festival USA 2023 and she was recognized by New York senator John Luis. Singh has also received the Mainkarnika Power of Women Award 2023, the Tejaswani Kalaratna Samman 2024 and Shree Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Kala Samman 2024 by Revival of Tribal and Folk Art Foundation, Jharkhand, India.

Art for SDG exhibition was inaugurated by the UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis who underscored the role art plays in inspiring reflection on global challenges and in motivating action to combat it. He said artworks portray humanity’s desire for harmony with nature, enabling efforts for a more sustainable future.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, described the characteristics of the Mithila art including its vibrant colors, intricate designs and storytelling. Mithila art would successfully convey the problems of climate change and the action needed, he said.

Other dignitaries at the inauguration included representatives and delegates from the Permanent Missions to the UN of various countries. The exhibited paintings drew attention with its intricate motifs and designs.