By Renuka Dhakal
Kathmandu, July 23: Amid the fear of COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown imposed by government from March 24, art galleries have remained shut.
Art exhibition in the galleries in the presence of the artists and art lovers has been rare.
However, the government has lifted the 120- day lockdown from Tuesday night , but places like cinema, temples and art galleries are not allowed to resume their activities.
Amid this pandemic, International Water Colour Society Nepal has organised virtual art exhibition on the occasion of its 4th anniversary.
The 10-day festival has started on Monday.
The art exhibition titled ‘Splashes’, has put 65 arts of 14 countries, including Nepal, in display.
The exhibition features paintings by 28 foreigners and 37 Nepali painters.
According to N B Gurung, chairman of the Society, the society has regularly been organising the exhibition but this year, due to the COVID – 19, the society has resorted to virtual medium to promote art globally.
He said that the aim of this year’s virtual exhibition was to exchange art works to the world and to promote and develop the water-colour paintings of the Nepali artists.
“This is a very challenging time for the artists, the sale of paintings has come to a standstill and many artists who were teaching in the school are not sure of being paid as the schools have remained closed for over four months,” said Gurung.
He added that there was a huge possibility of artists fleeing the nation as Nepalis have less purchasing power.
“We are trying to stimulate Nepali art and culture in international level through this exhibition,” he added.
Likewise, Dipendra Banepali, General Secretary and one of the participants of the event, said that such type of event would support artists to continue their passion on art even during the crisis situation.
Virtual exhibition will help connect with international artists and encourage to share Nepali art to larger public, he added.
He said more than 90 per cent sale of art works has come to stand hill and the artists depend on it were facing difficulty. “Virtual medium helps reach out larger audience and when after the galleries open, virtual art exhibition should continue, said Banepali.
While inaugurating the event, the International chair of the society, Antanur Dogan, said that the event would help internationalise Nepali arts and cultures. Artists from Nepal, India, America, China, Bangladesh, Iran and Indonesia and among others have participated in the event.
The live premiere of the exhibition begins at 6 pm on IWS’s official YouTube channel and Facebook every day.