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Kathmandu Triennale: Nepal’s Largest Art Fest Kicks Off

The third edition of the mega art festival, Kathmandu Triennale started with a function held at the Hyatt Regency in the capital on Friday. The festival was organized by Siddhartha Arts Foundation and Belgium-based SMAK (the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art). It was inaugurated jointly by senior artist Uttam Nepali and the Ambassador of European Union to Nepal, Rensje Tserink.

The festival features the work of 70 artists from 26 countries, which will be exhibited concurrently at eight venues around the Valley, over the course of 17 days. This edition of the fest has been themed “My City, My Studio/My City, My Life.”

The opening ceremony on Friday began with the screening of a short film “Shifting Valley”. According to its Director, Kishor Kayastha, “The film showcases an artist’s response to the consequence of the earthquake.” Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairperson of the festival, Sangeeta Thapa said, “Kathmandu Triennale is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the earthquakes. It is also a cultural assertion: That art must go on, that life must go on.”

Kathmandu Triennale 2017.

Kathmandu Triennale 2017. Image Source: Glocal Khabar

Philippe Van Cauteren, the fest’s curator and also the Director of Co-organizers SMAK said, “Art is a necessity. It is one of the core elements and core points of the city.”

The first day of the fest also featured performance art pieces by Ashmina Ranjit, Prithivi Shrestha, Marie Julia Bollanse, Pinky and Song Dong; a traditional music concert; and a traditional Newar bhoj at Itumbahal.

Kathmandu Triennale will be taking place at eight venues around the city: Nepali Arts Council, Tara Gaon Museum, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Patan Museum, Tangalwood, Nepal Tourism Board, and Newa Chen Art Gallery till April 9.

The first Kathmandu Triennale was held in 2009 but the fest was previously known as Kathmandu International Art Festival.

 

Reference: GLOCAL KHABAR