Kathmandu, March 10:Under “the Poetic Journey,” poetry recitation, art exhibition and musical show were organised at Siddhartha Art Gallery Thursday amid a colourful function.

Artists Ms Laura Friedensohn and Ms Maura Moynihan, both from United States, exhibited Mani stones and paintings with the theme of peace and spiritualism inspired by Oriental religion and philosophy.

Earlier, poets Dr. Abhi Subedi, Manjul, Bijay Rana and Ms Maura recited their poems focusing on the post-modern values of life.

“Masterji and Other Stories” and the CD “Yoga Hotel,” by Ms Moynihan were also released at the programme.

Maura’s 23 paintings known as pop art were put up at the display. They lack formalism and traditional framework of paintings making but remind the art lovers about pop culture, which swept the world’s music, dance and song especially from United States in 60s.

“Each painting takes several hours to complete,” she said. The memory of the time and place of every image becomes so deeply ingrained in my mind and heart, she elaborates her mental process during the creation of art works.

Kathmandu has been a source for her artistic creation. “Kathmandu is overwhelming for a painter; teeming, beautiful, unique and rare,” Ms Maura expresses her views.

On the other hand, Ms Laura, through the installation of 29 items of Mani stones from Dopla, tries to convey the sacred vision inherent in the Buddha religion. The Mani stones, which have been traditionally prepared by Dolpalis have received special design from the artist. The sacred stones contain the words like peace, love, creation and heaven so as to create pious feelings in the viewers as well as the artist. The installation seems an artistic expression of various aspects of Buddhism.

The West’s attraction towards the Eastern life and culture is apparently visible in the painting show presented by the two foreign women artists.