Challenging norms through Mithila art

‘Hamro Sahas, Hamro Kala’ is a Mithila art exhibition organised by Maiti Nepal in collaboration with Gallery 108. With a total of 15 artworks on display, the exhibit casts light on dowry practices and child marriage while promoting equality and the voices of women and girls. Narrating such messages through art, the exhibition relies on storytelling, a distinguishing factor of Mithila art. The pieces also depict themes of women’s empowerment and resilience, such as attending school and resisting marital expectations. The initiative aligns with Maiti Nepal’s broader mission to address the root causes of gender-based violence and exploitation by fostering awareness, encouraging dialogue, and engaging communities in collective reflection and action. It also provides a platform for artists to express their perspectives, share lived experiences, and use creative expression as a tool for social change. Starting with the artist recruitment process, the initiative was intentional about the kinds of messages it wanted to convey through artworks. The selected artists have created works addressing key social issues, each accompanied by a written narrative to provide context and clearly communicate the intent behind the artwork. According to the gallery, the audience can expect a curated collection of Mithila artworks accompanied by written narratives that offer insight into lived experiences and social realities, along with a space that encourages reflection, dialogue, and greater