The ‘National Exhibition of Fine Arts 2024,’ organized by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), concluded in Kathmandu on Friday. Held under the slogan ‘Social Transformation: Fine Arts Campaign,’ the exhibition showcased 522 artworks by 482 artists from all seven provinces. These included both participating and non-competing pieces, according to Devendra Kumar Kafle ‘Thumakeli,’ Member Secretary of NAFA.
Thumakeli reported that approximately 40,000 art lovers and enthusiasts visited the 18-day exhibition. Attendees included students from around 90 schools, politicians, art enthusiasts, artists, and cultural figures. Initially scheduled for 15 days starting on May 28, the exhibition was extended by three days due to the high number of visitors.
At the closing ceremony, NAFA Vice Chancellor Lal Kaji Lama stated that the festival successfully achieved NAFA’s goal of integrating art into all facets of society.
The exhibition featured a diverse range of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces, cartoons, installations, and printmaking. It highlighted works selected from the ‘Provincial Fine Art Exhibition-2080,’ all promoting the theme of social transformation through art.
For the first time, NAFA organized provincial art exhibitions in all seven provinces from March to April. These exhibitions displayed 43 artworks by 42 artists from Kosi Province, 61 artworks by 57 artists from Mades Province, 267 artworks by 233 artists from Bagmati Province, 46 artworks by 42 artists from Gandaki Province, 70 artworks by 70 artists from Lumbini Province, 28 artworks by 23 artists from Karnali Province, and 43 artworks by 42 artists from Sudurpashchim Province. Additionally, 76 artworks were exhibited in the non-competition category.
During the closing ceremony, NAFA also awarded winners of the banner writing competition held on May 18. Artist Surendra Kumar Chaudhary won first place and received 10,000 rupees, while Surendra Prasad Chaudhary and Umesh Shah Teli won second and third places, receiving 7,000 rupees and 5,000 rupees, respectively.
