National Exhibition of Fine Arts concludes

Kathmandu, June 15: The National Exhibition of Fine Arts 2024, organised by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), concluded amid a programme held in Kathmandu on Friday. 

This year’s exhibition, held under the slogan ‘Social Transformation: Fine Arts Campaign,’ showcased 522 artworks by 482 artists from all seven provinces. These included both participating and non-competing pieces, said Devendra Kumar Kafle ‘Thumakeli,’ Member Secretary of NAFA. 

Thumakeli informed that approximately 40,000 art lovers and enthusiasts visited the 18-day exhibition. 

Around 90 schools brought students to experience the art exhibition, which also drew politicians, art enthusiasts, artists and cultural figures. Thumkeli said that the art exhibition, which began on May 28 with an initial schedule of 15 days, was extended by three days due to the influx of art lovers.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, NAFA’s Vice Chancellor Lal Kaji Lama said that the NAFA’s goal of integrating art into all facets of society, spanning culture, economics, politics, and social issues, thereby fostering societal change through artistic expression succeeded. 

Expressing apprehension about the neglect of preserving Nepali folk and traditional arts, he highlighted the importance of integrating these forms into mainstream awareness.

 VC Lama also highlighted NAFA’s first Provincial Fine Art Exhibition as a step toward safeguarding diverse art forms from across the nation.

The exhibition featured a wide range of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces, cartoons, installations, and printmaking. The exhibition showcased the artworks selected from the ‘Provincial Fine Art Exhibition-2080,' all promoting the theme of social transformation through art.

For the first time, NAFA organised provincial art exhibitions in all seven provinces from March to April. 

These exhibitions showcased 43 artworks by 42 artists from Kosi Province, 61 artworks by 57 artists from Mades Province, 267 artworks by 233 artists from Bagmati Province, 46 artworks by 42 artists from Gandaki Province, 70 artworks by 70 artists from Lumbini Province, 28 artworks by 23 artists from Karnali Province, and 43 artworks by 42 artists from Sudurpashchim Province. Additionally, 76 artworks were exhibited in the non-competition category.

During the closing ceremony, NAFA also awarded winners of the banner writing competition held on May 18. 

Artist Surendra Kumar Chaudhary won first place and received Rs. 10,000, while Surendra Prasad Chaudhary and Umesh Shah Teli won second and third places, receiving Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 5,000, respectively.