‘Forms of Abstraction’ Exhibition Opens at Taragaon Next in Kathmandu

Kathmandu – The exhibition titled ‘Forms of Abstraction’, showcasing Nepalese abstract painting, is currently underway at Taragaon Next in Boudha, Kathmandu. The exhibition, which began on Thursday, will continue until Monday. Organized with support from the Saraf Foundation for Himalayan Tradition and Culture, the exhibition features 49 abstract paintings created by 26 Nepalese artists.

Roshan Mishra, Director of Taragaon Next, stated that Nepalese abstract painting is deeply intertwined with the country’s history and traditions. “It is essential to introduce this art form linked with history and tradition to everyone,” he said. “Exhibitions such as this play a crucial role in recognizing and providing opportunities to remarkable artists.”

Mishra also noted that abstract painting has become highly popular among young people, and events like this exhibition help in deepening their understanding of the art. He described this exhibition as the largest and most participatory organized so far.

The roots of Nepalese abstract art date back to the 1960s when Lain Singh Bangdel pioneered the movement. After studying modern art in Paris, Bangdel successfully introduced a new artistic language in Nepal through color, texture, and emotion. Subsequent artists such as Gehendra Man Amatya, Laxman Shrestha, Uttam Nepali, Govinda Dangol, Krishna Manandhar, Kiran Manandhar, Laya Mainali, and Sharad Ranjit continued to develop abstract art in Nepal.

The participating artists in the current exhibition portrayed Nepal’s history, spirituality, culture, and nature through colors and artistic expressions. Some works also exhibit influences of geometry and architecture. The exhibition pays special tribute to late pioneering abstract artists including Lain Singh Bangdel, Uttam Nepali, Bal Krishna Sam, Indra Pradhan, and Prashant Shrestha for their invaluable contributions to abstract art.

The lineup of exhibiting artists includes Bidhata KC, Navindraman Rajbhandari, Vijay Maharjan, NB Gurung, Binod Pradhan, Nemba Tamang, Chandra Shrestha, Pramila Bajracharya, Govinda Dangol, and Ramesh Khanal. Additionally, Jeewan Rajopadhyay, Ratnakaji Shakya, Kiran Manandhar, Rita Manandhar, KK Karmacharya, Sagar Manandhar, Krishna Manandhar, Sangeet Shrestha, Laya Mainali, Sharad Ranjit, Madan Chitrakar, Sunita Rana, Mukesh Mall, Sushma Rajbhandari, Nabindra Limbu, and Vijay Thapa are also participating.

Director Mishra emphasized that although abstract art has been practiced in Nepal for nearly 65 years, there has been limited discourse and attention devoted to the subject until now.