The recently concluded international exhibition of paintings and sculptures at the Nepal Art Council in Kathmandu showcased the remarkable talents of women artists from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Among the youngest participants was 16-year-old Shusmita Jimee from Lukla, Nepal, known as the gateway to Mount Everest.
Born in the picturesque town of Lukla, Shusmita has been pursuing fine arts passionately. She displayed two captivating paintings at the exhibition: one portraying the magnificent Mount Machhapuchre and the other highlighting women’s contributions to household affairs. Her participation added a youthful vibrancy to the event and underscored the burgeoning talent in Nepal’s art scene.
The exhibition featured 194 paintings by 59 women artists from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. It was jointly inaugurated on July 24 by Bangladeshi Ambassador to Nepal Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury and former Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts Ragini Upadhaya Grela. Eminent artists Sushma Raj Bhandari and Dr. Seema Shah also graced the inaugural event as special guests.
The five-day event displayed works in various media, including acrylic on canvas, charcoal sketches, and watercolors. It attracted art lovers of all ages, offering a vibrant platform for the artists. The exhibition included 20 Nepali, 27 Indian, and 12 Bangladeshi artists, showcasing their artistic brilliance and cultural narratives.
Events like this exhibition not only highlight the rich artistic heritage of Nepal but also promote tourism by drawing attention to the country’s cultural hubs. Shusmita’s origin from Lukla, a significant point for trekkers heading to Everest, ties her art to the broader narrative of Nepal’s natural beauty and its role in tourism.
Among the visitors was Nabina Thapa, a 22-year-old architecture student who was captivated by the diverse artworks. Her admiration for a vibrant watercolor painting of flowers and a charcoal sketch of a girl with wool reflects the broad appeal of the exhibition.
Bangladeshi artist Lubna Habib, participating in her first exhibition in Nepal, shared her joy in returning to the art world after a hiatus. Indian artist Iti Bhattacharya, despite lacking formal training, expressed her passion for art and appreciation for the networking opportunities provided by such events.
Nepal’s Anuradha Thapa, who traveled from Biratnagar, displayed her artworks themed around Lord Buddha. With 46 years of painting experience and a fine arts degree from India, the 64-year-old artist emphasized the importance of such exhibitions in motivating and encouraging the younger generation of artists.
The exhibition was a collaborative effort between Spread Wings, a network of women artists in India; Bangladeshi women artists group Ghuddi; and Nepal’s Lalitya Kala Jagaran. Sushma Shrestha of Lalitya Kala Jagaran highlighted the significance of this collaboration in fostering artistic exchange and cultural solidarity.
The international exhibition of paintings and sculptures at the Nepal Art Council was not just an artistic event but a celebration of cultural ties and the promotion of tourism in Nepal. Young talents like Shusmita Jimee, alongside seasoned artists, showcased the depth and diversity of women’s artistic expressions, drawing visitors into a world of creativity and inspiration.
