Maternal Bonds: Sharing Stories of Inspiration

‘My mother, who has been a compassionate and dedicated educator throughout her life, inspires me to seek the same level of passion in my future profession.’ said Aaja Sharma as she shared her story during ‘Maternal Bonds: Sharing Stories of Inspiration’, a storytelling session organized as part of the exhibition ‘An Ode to the Blue’ on Tuesday, April 11 2023. The event invited people to share their stories about maternal figures who have been a source of inspiration, strength and wisdom in their lives. 

The session, led by exhibiting artists Deepmala Maharjan and Mini Tamang, and moderated by Pooja Poudel, began with a guided walkthrough of the artists’ series of works. Then, the group consisting of artists, students and art enthusiasts settled down to unravel their stories. Deepmala reminisced about the time when her mother decided to pursue her education decades after leaving school. She further mentioned how her mother’s determination and resilience continue to motivate her in life. Similarly, Namrata, another participant, shared how her parents supported her decision to pursue an art career despite facing discouragement from others. Talking of Deepmala, Nilesh Shakya passionately shared ‘My wife is my guiding light. She has motivated me to continue my studies and pursue my career aspirations.’ Other participants delved into how their mothers have been a support system for them and the ways they have instilled kindness and empathy in their upbringing.

Turning the gallery space into a storytelling gathering provided an opportunity for the artists and visitors to come together and connect on a personal level to share their tales of inspiration, triumphs and vulnerabilities. By exchanging their stories, the group collectively celebrated the bonds they have with their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and others who have touched their lives.