A grand and vibrant art exhibition has come to life at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), where artists from every corner of Bagmati Province have united, pouring their hearts and souls into a mesmerizing showcase of creativity. This gathering is more than just an exhibition—it’s a celebration of passion, expression, and the boundless beauty of art.
The exhibition unfolds its magic from March 10th to March 14th, offering a fleeting yet powerful glimpse into the artistic soul of Bagmati Province. Over 250 artists have poured their creativity onto canvas, each stroke and color telling a story of passion and dedication. “This grand showcase will also serve as a stepping stone, as some of these remarkable artworks will be selected for the prestigious National Exhibition,” shared the Chancellor of the Academy, Naradmani Hartamchhali, his voice brimming with pride. Beyond this, the Academy has been weaving artistic connections across the nation, successfully curating provincial exhibitions in other regions as well—spreading the spirit of art far and wide.
“The artistic evolution of our nation is deeply intertwined with the creativity emerging from the capital. The artworks born here hold immense significance in shaping the national art scene,” shared Devendra Kumar Kafley ‘Thumkeli’, the Member Secretary of the Academy. With a sense of awe, he reflected, “In recent years, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in artistic expression, and this exhibition stands as a living testament to that journey—a vibrant showcase of how art continues to grow, redefine itself, and touch hearts.”
Stepping into the gates of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, visitors are immediately drawn to the right, where a hall brimming with breathtaking traditional artworks awaits. This sacred space whispers tales of devotion, precision, and artistic mastery. Among the most mesmerizing pieces, Asha Lama’s Kala Chakra Mandala stands as a profound symbol of the universe itself. Bathed in rich blue hues, every intricate detail of the mandala’s iconography guides the viewer through pathways of spiritual depth, making it one of the exhibition’s most captivating masterpieces. Equally striking is Shankar Kumar Joshi’s Yamantaka Bajra Bhairav, a powerful composition where even the tiniest details have been meticulously crafted, bringing the fierce deity to life with unparalleled intensity. Another masterpiece that commands attention is Binamra Dangol’s Hebajra Mandala. This stunning work radiates perfection, with each deity rendered in harmonious proportions. The intricate composition draws in mesmerized crowds, as they stand in awe, absorbing the spiritual and artistic essence infused into every delicate stroke.
In the contemporary painting section, Anjali Tamang’s artwork stands out with a haunting beauty that lingers in the soul. Titled Moonlit Reflection, her piece captures the quiet depth of a Tamang woman bathed in the gentle glow of blue dim light. Her presence feels almost ethereal, as if she exists between reality and dreams. Around her, the phases of the moon unfold—a poetic metaphor for the shifting emotions and silent resilience of traditional women. Each crescent and full moon mirrors her changing moods, telling a story of strength, longing, and the quiet poetry of life. It is not just a painting—it is an emotion frozen in time, inviting viewers to step closer and feel its unspoken whispers.
Bishal Thami’s artwork, Under Sea, feels like a doorway into a world unseen, a realm where silence speaks in ripples and colors breathe life into the deep. His vision of the ocean is anything but ordinary—it is a dreamlike escape, where even the seagrasses sway in shades of blue, blending seamlessly with the water’s embrace. Scattered amidst this underwater tranquility, golden-yellow stones glimmer like hidden treasures, their warmth contrasting against the cool, endless blue. The painting does not just depict the sea; it invites viewers to sink into its depths, to feel the mystery, the solitude, and the quiet beauty of a world that exists beneath the surface.
Deepa Khanal’s painting, Balapan, lingers in the mind like a half-remembered dream. Against a dark, mysterious backdrop, she has conjured an enchanting world of dreamlike plants, their delicate forms glowing with an almost surreal beauty. Her work feels like a memory slipping between reality and imagination, evoking the innocence and wonder of childhood. Equally captivating is Bishal Maharjan’s series, The Three Poisons. In this striking piece, he brings to life the symbolic creatures of human frailties—a snake for greed, a rooster for jealousy, and a pig for superiority. His choice of colors and textures creates a bold, almost carved wooden-block effect on canvas, giving his work a raw, tactile energy. Through these haunting images, he forces viewers to confront the very emotions that shape and challenge the human experience.
Dibesh Man Singh Pradhan’s acrylic masterpiece, Waiting, carries a quiet yet profound depth. The painting captures four elderly individuals seated in a Pati, their expressions heavy with unspoken thoughts. Their gazes, lost in reflection, seem to drift between memories of the past and the uncertainties of time ahead. There is a stillness in the scene, a poignant silence that speaks volumes about longing, patience, and the weight of years gone by. Through soft yet powerful strokes, Pradhan breathes life into this moment, making ‘Waiting’ not just a painting, but a deeply felt experience—one that lingers in the hearts of those who stand before it. They sit in quiet anticipation, waiting for the loved ones who once filled their lives but have long departed in search of a better future. Now, in the twilight of their years, they have little to hold onto—only memories, unspoken longing, and the fading hope of reunion.
Ganga Adhikari’s artwork, Awful Night, evokes a deep sense of vulnerability and fear. It portrays a scarcely clothed woman, sitting with her head resting on her knee, lost in despair. Surrounding her are eerie, nightmarish creatures, lurking and hovering, as if waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The painting captures a haunting intensity, making the viewer feel the weight of her isolation and terror.
Gautam Ratna Bajracharya’s (Tuladhar) The Celebration of the New Year is a breathtaking painting that radiates joy and cultural richness. The painting bursts with life, capturing the rhythmic energy of ethnic Newari people as they dance and drum in celebration of the New Year. The vibrant color palette and harmonious composition draw the viewer into the festive atmosphere, making it feel almost tangible. Every brushstroke echoes the spirit of tradition and unity, making this piece one of the most captivating highlights of the exhibition.
Mangal Krishna Prajapati’s Cosmic Energy is a mesmerizing masterpiece that radiates a profound connection between the universe and humanity. The artwork beautifully captures the endless flow of energy, weaving seamlessly between the cosmos and human existence. It feels as if the painting itself breathes, pulsating with an unseen force that binds all living beings to the vastness of the universe. The depth and movement within the piece evoke a sense of wonder, reminding us of our place in the grand, infinite dance of existence.
Sundar Lama‘s painting Gham is a deeply thought-provoking art-piece that beautifully intertwines time, life, and existence. The composition seamlessly weaves together a clock tower, a crow, a lotus flower, a baby in the womb, a human figure, and horses—each symbol echoing the different phases of life. The way these elements are synchronized creates a powerful narrative, illustrating how human beings are surrounded by nature, time, and fate throughout their journey. The dominant hues of blue and yellow breathe life into the painting, adding depth and emotion, making it a truly captivating piece that lingers in the heart and mind.
Juna Khanal Sharma’s ceramic artwork Mahabharat is a breathtaking fusion of history and artistry. The globe-like structure intricately depicts the epic’s unfolding events, while conch shells rest atop, symbolizing the echoes of ancient battles and divine interventions. The craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary, making this piece a rare and thought-provoking creation.
Paras Shrestha’s figurative, life-like sculpture is nothing short of mesmerizing. The sculpture is entitled Women of this generation where the woman sits gracefully, her legs crossed, her gaze lifted toward the vast unknown, as if searching for something beyond the visible world. There is an unspoken depth in her expression—a quiet longing, a silent story—that makes it feel as though she is not just looking upward, but directly into your heart. Her stillness is not empty; it is filled with emotion, drawing you in, making you pause, and leaving you with a lingering sense of connection and wonder. Romin Maharjan’s Jahrun is a remarkable piece that carries the weight of history and nostalgia. Once a vital water reservoir during the Malla dynasty, Jahrun was a source of life, where countless people gathered to collect water, share moments, and weave stories of the past. Carved from stone, this artwork is more than just a tribute—it’s a portal to an era long gone, evoking a deep sense of connection to the lives that once depended on it. The raw texture and timeless essence of the piece stir curiosity, drawing viewers into a silent conversation with history itself.
In the folk art section, Raj Shrestha’s artwork is truly captivating. Through a mesmerizing blend of mixed media, he brings the Boudhanath Stupa to life in a way that feels almost magical. The moment you lay eyes on it, a sense of serenity washes over you, as if you’ve been transported to the sacred site itself. Every intricate detail and texture seem to whisper stories of devotion and timelessness, making the piece not just a visual experience, but an emotional journey.
In the handicraft section, Kapil Dev Thapa’s artwork Chara carries a profound and heartbreaking message. A bird has just laid two delicate eggs in the hollow of a half-cut tree—a fragile hope clinging to what little remains. Surrounding the tree is an empty void, a stark reminder of the spaces where lush forests should have stood. This piece is not just art; it is a powerful reflection on the cost of modernization, a silent yet piercing satire on what we have lost in the name of progress. It stirs a deep sense of longing and responsibility, urging the viewer to rethink humanity’s relationship with nature.
Niharika Dangol’s artwork Couture Gown is both striking and thought-provoking. It presents a woman in a dress that conceals only her most essential parts, reflecting the ever-shrinking nature of fashion in the name of modernity. The piece subtly critiques how societal expectations have shaped the image of the modern woman, leaving her exposed not just physically, but emotionally. It is a poignant commentary on how trends, often in the name of freedom and empowerment, can sometimes strip away more than just clothing—highlighting the complexities of identity and self-expression in today’s world.
Rajesh Maharjan‘s Swyambhu Utpati is a deeply captivating work of art. The three-dimensional depiction of the Swyambhu Chaitya, crafted entirely from straw, feels almost alive. The delicate, yet powerful structure seems to breathe with the spirit of the sacred site, inviting the viewer to step closer and experience its essence. There’s a quiet reverence in the choice of material, as straw—simple and natural—echoes the timeless connection between the earth and the divine. This piece is not just a visual creation, but a humble tribute to the profound spiritual history it represents.
Leave A Comment