Late artist Rakesh Chandra Shrestha remembered

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 13: Artists remembered the late artist Rakesh Chandra Shrestha and his contributions to the development and promotion of Nepali fine arts during a programme held in Kathmandu on the occasion of his 13th day of death. 

Shrestha passed away at the age of 57 due to  brain haemorrhage in Kathmandu on October 31.

 Remembering Shrestha’s contributions to the Nepali art sector, the artists described him as joyful, diligent, and someone who constantly sought innovation in Nepali art.

Speaking at the programme, Naradmani Hartamchhali, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Art (NAFA), said that the late artist Shrestha would be immortalised through his artworks.

 The Chancellor added that the sudden demise of a talented artist like Rakesh was a significant loss not only to his family and relatives but also to the nation.

Shrestha had also served in the Gorkhapatra Corporation. 

Similarly, Sanjaya Bantawa, head of the Painting Department at NAFA, recalled that he and Shrestha studied together and announced plans to exhibit Shrestha’s artworks through an exhibition.

Former Chancellor of NAFA, KK Karmacharya highlighted Shrestha’s contributions to the development and promotion of fine arts, mentioning that he had known Shrestha for 30 years. He expressed that Shrestha’s passing is a major loss for the Nepali art sector.

Dibesh Pradhan noted that Shrestha’s demise was a tremendous loss for the art community, as he was actively involved in the Saturday Plein Air. 

Pradhan added that Saturday Plein Air would support exhibiting Shrestha’s artworks made during the Saturday Plein Air through exhibition.

Artist Dipendra Banepali expressed his sadness over Shrestha’s demise and fondly remembered their association through the Saturday Plein Air where they created art in various locations such as temples, various religious shires and districts like Rasuwa and Sindhuli.