Kathmandu, Dec. 26: The three-day Nepal International Art Exhibition–2025, showcasing diverse contemporary and traditional artworks from South Asia and beyond, concluded in Kathmandu on Thursday, drawing hundreds of art lovers, artists, critics and cultural enthusiasts.

The exhibition was inaugurated on December 24 amid a formal opening ceremony at Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in Naxal, Kathmandu. 

Chief Guest and Chancellor of the NAFA Naradmani Hartamchhali HaHofficially opened the exhibition and delivered his inaugural address, highlighting the vital role of art in strengthening cultural understanding, creativity and people-to-people relations across national borders.

At the ceremony, Exhibition Coordinator and renowned Mithila artist Ranju Yadav presented the welcome address, emphasising that art is a universal language capable of transcending geography, ideology and identity. 

She said that the exhibition brought together more than four dozen artworks by artists from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Mauritius and other countries, reflecting cultural diversity, shared human values and artistic dialogue. 

She also acknowledged the efforts of Art Hub, Dhaka, Bangladesh, the organiser of the exhibition, and the support of Mithila Art Foundation, Kathmandu, as a co-organiser.

Exhibition Curator and Director of Art Hub Dhaka, Taimur Hannan of Bangladesh, also shared his views, underlining the importance of cross-border artistic collaboration and recalling earlier Nepal-Bangladesh cultural exchanges. 

He said that international art platforms such as this deepen creative dialogue and strengthen regional friendship. Senior Mithila artist Bibha Lal delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the collective efforts of the organizers, participating artists, patrons and visitors. 

The opening ceremony was moderated by participating artist Subhadri Subha.

The opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities from the fields of art, literature and culture, including senior literary writer couple Dhirendra Premarshi and Rupa Jha, Chairperson of Maithili Bikash Kosh Jibnath Chaudhary, Member-Secretary of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Devendra Kumar Kafley ‘Thumkeli’, NAFA council members Dineshwor Mahato, Aruna Hingmang and Pradip Adhikari ‘Susaant’, and Saurganga Darshandhari as well as senior artist and journalist Keshav Raj Khanal.

On the occasion, senior writer Dhirendra Premarshi and NAFA council member Aruna Himang expressed their views, praising the initiative for creating an international platform for artistic exchange and appreciating the organisers for successfully bringing together artists from different countries under one roof. 

They emphasised that such exhibitions contribute significantly to cultural diplomacy and the promotion of Nepali art and South Asian arts on a global stage.

On behalf of the Bangladeshi artists, Fahmida Enam Kakoli expressed her views and extended best wishes for the success of the exhibition.

A special highlight of the inaugural event was the honouring of participating artists. Chancellor Naradmani and senior literary figure Dhirendra Premarshi jointly honoured the artists with certificates, crests and exhibition catalogues, recognising their creative contribution and participation in the international exhibition.

Another major highlight of the event was the art workshop held on the second day, December 25, coordinated and conducted by exhibition coordinator and Mithila artist Ranju Yadav. 

The workshop witnessed the participation of nine artists from Nepal and six artists from Bangladesh, offering a vibrant space for creative interaction, shared learning and artistic experimentation. 

Participants explored diverse techniques and themes, further strengthening professional ties and cultural understanding.

Throughout the three days, the exhibition attracted hundreds of visitors, who viewed artworks reflecting themes of nature, culture, identity, social consciousness and contemporary realities. Visitors and art enthusiasts lauded the exhibition for its international character and its role in promoting cultural exchange through visual art.

The Nepal International Art Exhibition–2025 concluded on December 26, marking another significant milestone in Nepal’s growing international art landscape and reinforcing artistic collaboration between Nepal and neighboring countries.