Bagmati Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition kicks off

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 21: The Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bagmati Province, jointly inaugurated the ‘Bagmati Provincial Fine Arts Exhibition/Conference 2082’ in Naxal on Friday. The exhibition was inaugurated by Suresh Shrestha, Minister for Culture and Tourism of Bagmati Province.

 Speaking at the programme, the minister said that art and culture never perish, praising artists for their contribution to establishing Nepal’s identity and supporting the national economy.

Minister Shrestha also referred to the statue of the artist Araniko and the under-construction 84-foot-tall Buddha statue at Panchpokhari Thangpal, stating that the Bagmati Province government would extend every possible support in this regard.

Speaking at the programme, Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchhali said that artists represent the soft power of society, and this began with the fine arts. He added that discussions and discourse on art are now increasing beyond the Kathmandu Valley. Vice-Chancellor of the Academy and Coordinator of the Bagmati Province Coordination Committee, Lalkaji Lama, recalled the commencement of provincial exhibitions and said that the Academy has been working at the grassroots level for the development of art while striving to connect with local geography. Member Secretary Devendra Kumar Kafle ‘Thumkeli’ said that cultural practitioners play a vital role in making society positive, progressive and dynamic.

Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bagmati Province, Dipendra Subedi, said that the nation’s identity is intrinsically linked with art and culture.

During the ceremony, honours were conferred upon Siddhiratna Shakya (traditional sculpture), Ramsundar Khwaju (traditional paubha painting), Sarita Chitrakar (folk art), Bishwambhar Lamichhane (sculpture), Sindhuli Kala Ghar (Sindhuli), World Art Link (Ratnanagar, Chitwan), and E Arts Nepal (Lalitpur).

The exhibition was curated under the coordination of Academic Assembly member Sundar Sinkhwal, with Sabina Tamang and Rajani Sinkhwal.

The exhibition features artworks by artists from Bagmati Province across various genres, including traditional painting, contemporary painting, contemporary sculpture, traditional sculpture, crafts and handicrafts, architecture, folk art, multidisciplinary and other creative art forms. The exhibition, promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board, will continue until February 24.