Joint art exhibition bridges cultures and art in Pokhara

By Phadindra Adhikari 

Lekhnath, Jan. 15: The Rocky Mountains, North America’s longest mountain range, and the Himalayan range in Asia showcase remarkable beauty and have some similarities. At the same time, each stands out with its unique characteristics.

The customs, cultures and literature of the residents in these regions are also unique. On Monday, Pokhara-based artists and art enthusiasts had the opportunity to observe these diverse cultures and aesthetics together. This opportunity was made possible through a joint art exhibition organised by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts in collaboration with the Gandaki Academy, Creative Artists Group, and other organisations. 

The exhibition, titled ‘From the Rockies to the Himalayas,’ was inaugurated by the Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Dhanraj Acharya. The exhibition features artwork from 23 Nepali and 17 foreign artists, each contributing a single piece. 

Running until Wednesday, the exhibition showcases a variety of themes and mediums, including watercolour, acrylic, oil paints, mixed media, charcoal, glass and encaustic art, which is a favourite among Pokhara-based artists.

Saurganga Darshandhari, a council member of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts said that such art exhibitions serve as a bridge between Nepali and foreign artists.

“Joint exhibitions of Nepali and foreign artists not only establish connections between the two but also help artists understand diverse art and cultures, enriching themselves,” she said. 

Mayor Acharya remarked that art creation could become a dimension of tourism in Pokhara, the tourism capital. 

“Pokhara, rich in nature and culture, can also be a destination for art creation,” he said, adding, “This year, we will announce Pokhara Visit Year. During this period, let us also host international events in the field of art.”

The exhibition includes a painting of Buddha by an American artist created a decade ago, which seeks to convey the essence of enlightenment, meditation and peace. 

Another American artist, who has displayed ceramic artwork, expressed delight in learning new things from Nepali art.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is a charcoal painting by IT student Gaurav Ghimire, dedicated to his grandmother. 

The artwork has captured significant attention, portraying his grandmother alongside a butterfly. “The butterfly symbolises how it often does not recognise its own colourful wings’ beauty, just as we fail to appreciate the value of our grandparents,” Ghimire explained.

Alongside the three-day art exhibition, a discussion on multidimensional art is scheduled for Tuesday. 

Keri Carillo, a leading foreign artist, stated that such exhibitions connect artists through emotions and skills. 

“These exhibitions link us through emotions, ideas and skills, contributing to the development of art,” she said.