The year 2017 marks the 60 years of diplomatic relationship between Nepal and Russia. To mark the occasion, the Russian Culture Center in the Capital is currently hosting an art exhibition, which commenced on Monday.

The exhibition, titled Universal Painting Exhibition, features artworks by a total of 14 aspiring artists. The exhibit is being organised jointly by Universal College, Nepal Russia Art Club and Russian Culture Center. Sharada Chitrakar, vice-chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, inaugurated the exhibit amid a programme on Monday.

“The works created by the students are really attractive and sublime,” said Chitrakar, speaking during the opening ceremony, “This exhibit will go a long way to strengthen the cultural bond between Russia and Nepal. I believe if we conducted exhibits like this more frequently it would help take Nepali arts and cultural to international arena.”

“The artworks on display very well portray the current picture of Nepali culture,” said Valery Anichkin, the acting Russian ambassador to Nepal.

Meanwhile, speaking during the opening, Programme Coordinator of the Russian Culture Center, Anton Maslov, remarked on the significance of organising such events. “This exhibition is very important for it helps strengthen the relationship between the two nations,” he said.

The week-long exhibition features a total of 52 works of painting and 10 sculptures.

Dr Shiva Dutta Gnawali, Principal of Universal College, was with high hopes when he said, “If there is one thing that the current exhibit shows, it is the hope that the up and coming crop of artists can very well contribute to the Nepali art scene. I am very confident about it.”

Likewise, Sushma Rajbhandari, member of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, was of the same opinion. “I am with the hope that the current crop of young artists can lead the Nepali art scape to a better future,” she said. “There are a very few art institutions in Nepal. The fact that a college has given such effort to promote the arts can be very significant.”

The exhibit features the works by Sanju Thapa Magar, Bhoomika Chaudhary, Pavitra Khatri, Binita Khadka, Sahara Lama, Amit Balami, and Ganga Himali, among others.

Artist Himali, speaking about the exhibition, said, “We are very excited and energised by the exhibition. I guess this exhibit also renders the message that the future of Nepali arts is bright.”

Meanwhile, another artist Bhoomika Chaudhary said, “I think there is a whole lot of range of issues that this exhibit explores. Nepal’s cultural, geographical, and social diversity have been portrayed in the artworks—from Ashtimki Chitra, that depicts the Tharu culture, and the wildlife of the Tarai forests to Muharchitras and traditional Thanka and Pauva paintings.”

The exhibit will run until July 18.