Karnali provincial fine arts exhibition kicks off

By Our Correspondent,Surkhet, Feb. 5: A Karnali Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition kicked off in Surkhet on Wednesday.

The exhibition is organised by Nepal Academy of Fine Arts.

 The exhibition, which will run until this coming Sunday, was inaugurated by Karnali Province’s Minister for Social Development, Ghanshyam Bhandari.

On the occasion, the minister expressed his commitment that the provincial government would support the promotion and publicity of Karnali Province, as it is rich in art, culture, and heritage. 

Chancellor of the Academy, Nardamani Hartamchhali Rai, said that the Academy has been conducting provincial-level exhibitions and workshops for the promotion of fine arts for the past several years. 

He added that in recent times, interest among students in fine arts has been increasing, and therefore the Academy is committed to expanding its accessibility in the coming days. He also mentioned that at a time when artists are not getting sufficient opportunities, the Academy is creating opportunities by organising such exhibitions.

Academy member and Karnali Province coordinator Palsangmo Lama said that last year’s exhibition delivered a good and positive message and expressed confidence that this year’s exhibition would also leave a good impression. 

Federal Vice President of the Nepal Commercial Artists Association, Subash Kumar Shakya, informed that the exhibition includes general paintings, installation art, thangka, knife painting, watercolor paintings, as well as sculptures and materials produced by the Raute and Tharu communities.

 According to him, around one hundred artworks are showcased. He further added that since there was increased attraction last year toward wooden items made by the endangered Raute community, who lead a nomadic life in the hilly districts of Karnali, their items have also been included in the exhibition.

Meanwhile, a fine arts workshop was conducted on Tuesday at the Provincial Martyrs’ Park located in Birendranagar Municipality-4. Students from about half a dozen schools in Surkhet presented their respective artworks.