Mundum Int'l Plein Air Painting Workshop and Art Exhibition ends

By Raj Kumar Bhattarai,Khotang, Oct. 9: A five-day ‘Mundum Int'l Plein Air Painting Workshop and Art Exhibition-2080’ has concluded in Diktel of Khotang district. Artists from 14 nations have captured Khotang's essence on canvas over the duration and they departed on Sunday.

Co-organised by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality and the Dhanu Art Studio Kathmandu, the art workshop and exhibition had begun on October 4 and concluded on October 8 in Diktel.  Throughout the course, 37 artists from 14 countries including Nepal have painted different scenes by reaching Majhugadhi, Kiratchok, Bhawangaira, Hatdanda, Shankhadhar Sakhwachok, Shubham Foundation, Jalpa and Khanidanda in Diktel.

The art primarily showcased historical and touristic locations from the district. Some artists even presented their freshly painted works to on-site viewers. Mayor Tirtharaj Bhattarai of Diktel Rupakot Majhugadhi Municipality said that this initiative was more than just an exhibition.

It was an opportunity to present Khotang's rich historical, religious, and touristic spots to a global audience, he added. The workshop and exhibition featured 17 international artists hailing from countries like Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, India, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, South Korea, the USA, Ukraine, and Vietnam, in addition to 20 local Nepali painters.

Prominent artworks from students in the district were also displayed alongside those from established artists, both local and international. 

This initiative, designed to boost tourism and promote the district’s cultural and historical significance, was supported by the municipality, with a budget of Rs. 1.8 million.

This maiden live painting workshop and exhibition in Diktel attracted a large crowd, and there are plans to showcase these artworks at an art gallery in Kathmandu in the coming months.

A special painting showcase took place on October 7 in the presence of Dig Bahadur Limbu, Koshi Province Minister for Youth and Sports. 

The event also featured a performance by celebrated singer Rajesh Payal Rai, drawing in over a thousand attendees.