Enhance Art, Culture

Dixya Poudel

Mundum is an ancient religious scripture as well as folk literature of the Kirati people who are indigenous to Nepal. In Limbu language, Mundum signifies, ‘the power of great strength’ and covers numerous aspects of Limbu (Yakthung) culture rooted in Vedic religion. Recently, from Falgun 5 to 17, an international art exhibition titled Mundum was organised by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, Diktel, Khotang and Dhanu Art Studio in association with Nepal Art Council (NAC). The aim of the exhibition was to highlight the rich natural and cultural heritage of Diktel and its community which includes Rais and Limbus. 

As a 13 day event, the art exhibition enthralled visitors with beautiful and scenic paintings of artists from as many as 52 nations. Honorable Prime Minister Puspha Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ too observed the diverse art graced on NAC. Viewers could stroll along the space in the exhibition and for a moment be entranced by Diktel’s scenic beauty, religious sites and traditions which were represented in the form of creative paintings. 

Dhanu Yakha, founder of Dhanu Art Studio, is a prominent and pioneering artist of Nepal who has been in the art scene in the national and international level since decades. His art covers sculptures as well as realistic and abstract paintings. He has showcased his art in several countries while also promoting art culture in Nepal. Yakha works in collaboration with both national and international artists through his studio. Having worked as a former Academic Council Member and Head of Department Sculpture at Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, he is now working to promote Nepali art in a global platform. 

Yakha isn’t the only artist who has highlighted Nepali art to the world. Numerous Nepali artists showcase their art internationally with the theme of Nepali culture, religion and traditions. However, while they are applauded abroad, they feel a dearth of art culture at home even though art scene in Nepal has been around for decades. Thanks to internet, artists today can reach out to international galleries online or even exhibit their art on social media. But among Nepali artists, lack of national audience creates a feeling of disappointment. They feel unappreciated due to inadequate encouragements.

 In developed nations, painters, sculptors, and fine art creators are greatly celebrated. There, artists can make a living from their pursuit of art but in countries such as Nepal, artists are likely to languish. They often resort to earning their living from additional professions to support their art which is their true passion. For these facts and more, art exhibitions are important for artists of all genres. They not only provide a platform for their hard work and talents, they also bring in a source of income. Such exhibitions are educational in nature as well. 

Many schools thus take their students to exhibitions so that they can immerse in the diverse and serene arts and crafts. It creates a sense of art appreciation in students for an all-rounded education. Creating art isn’t just about passion, it is also about sharing the work and connecting with both the fellow artists and audiences in general which is what art exhibitions are truly for. Thus, government as well as private organisations should collaborate with artists to promote art culture and support art exhibitions in Nepal.