An art exhibition organised by the students of Kathmandu University Centre of Fine Arts—titled Off the Block-is currently ongoing at Park Gallery, Pulchowk. The exhibit, inaugurated jointly by artists Umashankar Shah and Dr Sima Sharma, features woodcut printworks made by 23 student artists.

While all artists have used the same technique of woodcut printmaking, the exhibition features artworks that range from colourful creations to black and white portraits. The artists, who are currently pursuing Bachelors in Fine Arts at Kathmandu University, developed the artworks after receiving a two-week woodcut printmaking workshop from artist Kabiraj Lama.

Speaking about the increasing importance of print making in Nepal, artist Shah said, “Print making has been gaining popularity in the last few years. The increasing interest in print making especially among the younger generation is very heartening.” He added, “The prints that are exhibited here are exceptional, particularly coming from student artists. I am hopeful that Nepali art industry and print making will flourish in future. This is a great precedent.”

Similarly, instructor Kabiraj Lama said, “Although print making has made leaps of progress over the years, it is still not included in the curriculum of arts education in Nepal. This important and interesting art technique would thrive in Nepal, if it is treated with the same acknowledgement as other art mediums.”

One of the participating artists, Jagadish Moktan, whose art, Street Light, is also featured at the exhibition, said, “It was a new experience. Making woodcut print is new to me, so learning about it and its techniques was quite exciting.”

The exhibit will continue through June 16.