A space for Nepali contemporary sculptures

A new art gallery solely devoted to promoting sculptures made by contemporary Nepali artists has opened up in Kathmandu.

Called the "Art Space", the gallery is located inside the spacious compound of Baryo Fiesta Restaurant in Naxal and showcases some of the finest works of art by Nepal's leading sculptors like Thakur Pd Mainali, Praveen Shrestha, Om Khatri , Bhuwan Thapa and Kishor Rajbhandari.

"My main objective of opening the gallery is to promote Nepali sculptures to general public as well as the elites," said Pushpanjali Sherchan, a sculptor herself and promoter of the gallery.

She says the inspiration of opening the gallery came to her when she saw how Nepali contemporary sculptures have lagged behind in terms of both viewer's appeal as well as market compared to paintings.

"In my opinion maybe, we are to be blamed to some extent for this situation. for not advertising our works which have been neglected in comparison to paintings," she said, talking about why there is little public enthusiasm about Nepali sculptures.

She, however, says that for artists just creating is not enough.

"The creations of the artists have to be also appreciated by art lovers, prospective buyers, business co-operatives. Only then they would feel that
they have got the respect for the work they do," she quips, adding that the gallery will play a role of mediator between the artists and the buyers at a very affordable price, and at the same time giving the artists his due respect for the creation.

Says Art critique Madan Chitrakar, "The works on display here embraces a wide spectrum of works from the earliest actors to the latest examples of experimentation and other creative excercises taking place in contemporary sculptures.

He says that the show provides a fresh and unique insight into the current scenario of modern sculpture happening today in Nepal. nepalnews.com June 13 08