"Journey Through the Colors and Creativity of Nepal at the Himalayan Art Festival 2023"

Step into a world where brushstrokes create magic and carved sculptures come back to life. Get ready to be immersed in the vibrant tapestry of Nepali art and culture at the upcoming Himalayan Art Festival 2023.  At the Himalayan Art Festival, where dreams take shape and stories intertwine, Immerse yourself in a world of wonders, where art becomes divine.

Since its inception in 2017, the Himalayan Art Festival has been a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts alike. The festival features a multitude of genres including paintings, paubha, sculptures, installations, printmaking, and ceramics. This diverse range of artistic expressions allows visitors to indulge in the vivid imagination of Nepali artists.  If you're a lover of art and culture, there's one event you absolutely cannot miss - the Himalayan Art Festival. Asha Dangol, the co-founder of E-Arts Nepal, further explains about the Himalayan Art Festival, "Many fairs are organized during Dashain, but none of them showcased Nepali art, considering that situation, we have been organizing this festival since 2017 with the contemporary situation and encouragement of Nepali artists."

This annual extravaganza, organized by E-Arts Nepal, showcases the finest collection of Nepali artworks and embraces a comprehensive, inclusive, and holistic approach towards contemporary Nepali art from 24th to 30th August 2023 at the Nepal Art Council located in Babar Mahal, Kathmandu.

One of the goals of the exhibition is to make Nepali artwork accessible to the general public. Previously, it was often perceived as difficult to acquire Nepali art, but this festival aims to change that. With attractive prices designed to accommodate middle-class families, the exhibition hopes to decorate the homes of Nepalese people with the rich heritage of Nepali art. Another unique aspect of the festival is its focus on honoring a master artist every year. A special section is dedicated to showcasing the works of respected artists, paying tribute to their immense contributions to the art world. This yearly tradition adds a sense of depth and reverence to the event.

The Himalayan Art Festival also aims to create an annual platform for art appreciation and collaboration. The organizers hope to orient different sectors towards the aesthetic value of art and encourage local corporate houses to invest in Nepali art. By doing so, they not only support the local art community but also create opportunities for artists to thrive. 

In addition, one of many attractive paintings that caught the eyes of many Nepalese and tourists was the Cultural Heritage painting. This painting by Pradip K Bajracharya, a renowned artist, who has beautifully captured the essence of Newari festivals in his acrylic canvas painting named “Culture Heritage” which was created in 2023. This masterpiece offers a vivid portrayal of the significant and joyous Newari festivals celebrated in Kathmandu. These festivals hold immense importance and are a major attraction for tourists visiting Nepal. The painting showcases a vibrant tapestry of several Newari festivals that occur at specific times throughout the year, including the enchanting Rato Machhindranath Jatra, the lively Bisket Jatra, the mesmerizing Indra Jatra, and the heartfelt Gai Jatra, among others. Bajracharya's art brings to life the colors, energy, and traditions of these remarkable cultural celebrations, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Newari heritage.

 

Dr. Laya Mainali, a celebrated artist renowned for his expertise in sculptures, presents yet another captivating piece of art. Titled "Family," this bronze sculpture mesmerizes viewers with its symbolic depiction of the life cycle and the unbreakable bond within a family. Through intricate details he portrays this sculpture which showcases 3 bears circling around each other, hence, portraying the life cycle and bond that a family has and mentioning the detail that the family always has your back.

Furthermore, this exhibition showcases the works of both senior artists and the emerging talents of the current generation. Renowned artists such as Krishna Manandhar, Kiran Manandhar, Shashikala Tiwari, Rajan Kafle, Pradip K Bajracharya and many more have their art on display. The gallery boasts around 80 artists, making it a true treasure trove for art enthusiasts.

Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or simply have an appreciation for the diverse and beautiful world of art, the Himalayan Art Festival is an event that should be on your list. It not only showcases the artistic brilliance of Nepali artists but also allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary event. The festival runs from 24th to 30th August 2023 at the Nepal Art Council. Admission is free, so make sure to mark your calendars and experience the wonders of the Himalayan Art Festival. You'll be captivated by the creativity, talent, and cultural significance that each artwork represents.