HAF being held featuring artworks of 115 artists

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 11: The seventh edition of the Himalayan Art Festival (HAF) is being held at the Nepal Art Council, Babermahal, from September 8 to 14.

 This year, the festival highlights the artistic journeys of over 115 established and emerging Nepali artists.

Curated by Sagar Manandhar and Pratima Thakali, the exhibition has been praised for its thoughtful organisation and impressive range of artwork.

Thakali said “We have organised the artworks along a timeline, categorising the artists by their careers. 

While the exhibition is remarkable, there is always room for the artists to further immerse themselves in their creative processes.

Manandhar echoed a similar sentiment, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that characterised earlier artistic communities, noting that this exhibition brought back that sense of unity.

Senior artist Sharada Chitrakar, the guest of honour, spoke about the challenges women face in the art world. She shared how her journey inspired other women artists. 

 As part of the exhibition’s tradition, each year a tribute is paid to one of Nepal’s most senior artists, and this year, the spotlight is conferred on Chitrakar, a former Vice-Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).

 Her artworks are prominently displayed on the ground floor, accompanied by a short documentary on her life and artistic journey.

This year’s festival features a remarkable array of modern paintings, traditional Thangkas, installations and tributes to senior artists. 

Among the highlights is a stunning painting of Ganesh by senior artist Batsa Gopal Vaidhya, whose masterful use of colour captivates viewers. 

Renowned semi-abstract artist Kiran Manandhar presents one of his finest series, further enhancing the exhibition with his unique vision. 

Shreejan Rajbhandari, celebrated for his watercolours, offers a beautiful depiction of Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square, while Jeevan Rajopadhyay showcases a vibrant abstract piece filled with undefined shapes and bold colours.

 Experimental artist Rabindra Cycle pushes creative boundaries with his thought-provoking piece centred on a wheel, symbolising the human mind’s continued activity even in stillness.

The festival is more than just an art exhibition, offering various interactive events throughout the week.

On Tuesday, a panel disunion, featuring notable speakers Viplov Pratik, Sujan Chitrakar, and Anup Baral, moderated by Rajan Kafle held.

Likewise, the prestigious Prashanta Scholarship Award will be presented on Wednesday, honouring three outstanding students from leading art institutions.

 A guided tour of the exhibition will be held on September 12, and on September 13, a Portrait Moulding Workshop will take place.