Kathmandu, April 13 -- As I strolled through the artworks of twelve modern Indian artists showcased in the ongoing exhibition at Siddhartha Art Gallery in Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, 'Collective Expressions from India', which runs until April 22, I couldn't help but recall Leonardo da Vinci and Voltaire, as both viewed painting as akin to poetry, mirroring the sentiment I experienced during my visit.

Vinci famously stated, "Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is a painting that is felt rather than seen." Similarly, Voltaire believed that "painting is poetry without words." Reflecting on these statements of the Renaissance men while contemplating the contemporary paintings before me, I was also reminded of the classic...