An international exhibition, titled Shrijana Yatra-2, kicked off at the Sanskritik Sansthan, Jamal in the Capital on Wednesday. The exhibition, which has on display artworks by artists from 12 different countries, features traditional and modern paintings and sculptures.

The exhibition, which was inaugurated by the Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Ragini Upadhyay, also felicitated artists for their contribution to Nepal arts at the opening. At the event, the annual Martyr Anil Lama Youth Award was conferred to Shant Rahadi Magar, an artist from Gulmi. Similarly, artists Ramesh Khanal, NB Gurung and Keshav Raj Khanal were also felicitated at the ceremony.

Speaking at the opening, artist Madan Chitrakar said, “Nepali art has grown steadily over the years and now is at equal footing with art being produced all over the world.” He also went on to commend the Academy for hosting the exhibition despite the difficult year it has had to endure.

At the event, Lal Kaji Lama, the president of the NAFA, reiterated that exhibitions held, especially under difficult circumstances, would only underscore the importance of art to the society.

The exhibition which features artists from India, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, the United States, Thailand, Pakistan, Serbia, Germany, is slated to continue until May 5.