GOVINDA 'SAH' AZAD

Born in 1974 Rajbiraj, Nepal. From an early age I was interested in drawing and sculpture, and spent most of my time drawing and sculpting copies of Hindu Gods from photos and sculptures. I ran away to India, because my parents wanted me to study science instead of going to art college. I spent the years from 1991-94 as a sign board and wall painter in Delhi, India. In 1995 I returned to Kathmandu and joined the Fine Art College. I realised my dream to become a painter and I hurried to learn everything as fast as possible. During College I had several group shows and exhibitions. My first solo exhibition was in 1999 which was successful, and the Professor and Campus Chief of the Fine art College and prominent artist Govinda Dangol dubbed me as "Lion Heart".

From March - June 2000 I began a nation-wide solo cycle tour to spread the awareness of peace through art under the title "The 21st Century is the Century of Art and Peace". During that 3 month tour I held several art shows, workshops, and gave lectures in

schools, and to community groups. Following the cycle tour of Nepal, I travelled and held solo exhibitions in Mumbai, India, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. I then graduated with a BA in Fine Art in 2003. For my further study I joined the MA Fine Art course in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2006 but relatively soon thereafter I got the chance of private sponsorship and moved to the UK to study. I qualified with an MA in Fine Art from Wimbledon College of Art in 2008.

To date I have held 29 solo art exhibitions and group shows - in Nepal and internationally. I have also co-ordinated a number of Art Workshops under the sponsorship of the UN and Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal. My art works can be found in Private, Public, as well Government collections in Nepal and private collections worldwide.