July,1: The ‘Kisan’ (Farmer) watercolour workshop and exhibition, dedicated to ordinary working farmers, has begun at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in Naxal. Under the initiative of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and co-organised by the Nepal Watercolour Society, the workshop and exhibition began on Saturday, on the occasion of Paddy Day.
Chancellor of the Academy, Naradamani Hartmchhali, said that they organised the ‘Kisan’ workshop and exhibition to honour agriculture, inspire enthusiasm, and raise awareness about the farming profession.
He noted that while many contemporary artists come from agricultural backgrounds, their art should increasingly depict themes such as labour, respect for workers, the cultivation of a labour culture, the challenges and issues faced by farmers, their daily routines and lifestyles, modernisation in agriculture, and the agricultural environment.
Hartmchhali urged fine artists to contribute to raising awareness about agriculture and to honour farmers on Asar 15 (June 29), using not only watercolours but also embracing various artistic approaches for social transformation and harmony.
Former Chancellor of the Academy, KK Karmacharya, recognised farmers as the guardians of the country, emphasising their vital role in sustaining the nation. Veteran artist Madan Chitrakar highlighted the importance of the programme for watercolourists and praised the enthusiasm shown by the young watercolourists.
Lalkaji Lama, Vice-Chancellor of the Academy, remarked that the ‘Kisan’ watercolour workshops and exhibitions held on Asar 15, during the rainy season, were a tribute to hardworking farmers.
Devendra Kumar Kafle ‘Thumkeli’ mentioned that 80 artworks by more than 65 artists are featured in the exhibition, running until July 5. NB Gurung, coordinator of the exhibition and president of IWS-Nepal (International Watercolour Society), expressed his pleasure in organising the watercolour art workshop and exhibition in collaboration with the academy, viewing it as a gesture of respect towards watercolourists and farmers.
