One of the serene environments where unspoken communication find limitless space, art galleries are the abode of arts where fine works of artistry define artists providing a visual retreat to the observers. With an aim to connect diverse artists and observers, Taragoan Museum is all set to open Contemporary Art Gallery on Friday. With a view to permanently display around 50 works of about 30 contemporary and upcoming Nepali artists, the gallery aims at promoting Nepali art and making the country a hub for art lovers.

Supported by Taragaon Musuem and Saraf Foundation for Himalayan Traditions and Culture, the gallery will be opened for visitors all days except for Saturdays and also provide space for artists to use it as an Artist Studio where they will be able to work and share their works of art. 
“After its establishment in 2014, the museum has largely been emphasizing on displaying and documenting things of architectural values. Upon working to store documents and displaying them the need to opening a gallery much complemented our objective of promoting our heritage and culture. Therefore a definite space for a contemporary gallery is what we have come up with its time,” said Roshan Mishra, director at Taragoan Museum. 

“Many exhibitions were run in the same space before and the works of arts were temporarily exhibited. However, with a view to help contemporary art thrive in Nepal, the team of Taragaon Museum decided to make it a permanent hub for art admirers,” added Mishra.

“This gallery has gathered the works of experienced contemporary artist to that of upcoming and learning generation. We hope to provide equal opportunity for each artist and ensure to carry out with the rotation of their works,” he added.

Muna Bhadel, 28

 This is a developing phase that we are witnessing in the field of contemporary art. I am elated and excited to witness the opening of contemporary gallery that would definitely provide Nepali artists with many opportunities to present themselves in the best way they can. Since the museum carries its architectural essence, I feel privileged to be able to showcase my works amidst many other experienced artists. I have been into contemporary arts for 13 years now and I am hopeful that the opening of the permanent gallery would ensure to empower contemporary and many other Nepali artists ultimately improving the definition of Nepali arts.

Saurganga Darshandhari, 37

I have professionally been working as a contemporary artist for the past 18 years and I feel that inauguration of galleries introduce, acknowledge and redefine the efforts of the artists. I have two of my works to be exhibited in the gallery and I am also looking forward to exhibiting performance art. I think it is a matter of pride for contemporary artists to join such united approach and make our contribution count. The opening of a gallery would provide an exposure to the artist and help them earn a global recognition. I feel that the artists working in the same field are spread out individualistically. Thus, the opening of permanent contemporary art gallery would help them collaborate and communicate more often with the thriving art sector in Nepal.

Sagar Manandhar, 31

Contemporary art is actually grabbing space in Nepal arts. With a good number of youth been engaged into contemporary arts, I believe the opening of galleries would certainly provide opportunities for the young talents to prove their worth. On this note, the opening of contemporary art gallery will unite art lovers from diverse age groups and from various parts of the world. As myriad of artists carrying out their exhibition in limited galleries could prove a bit monotonous, the opening of the permanent contemporary gallery has filled me with enthusiasm and anticipation to have progressive changes in the field of contemporary arts.

Sundar Lama, 33

Nepali arts have been thriving commercially over the years. However, in order to view a sustainable future of Nepali arts, we need to explore and experiment on the creativity of our works. The opening of the gallery acts as a medium through which artists can flaunt their creativity and connect to larger and more diverse audiences and art lovers.  As an exposure to new artists, I have previously conducted my second solo exhibition at Taragoan Museum in 2014, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to showcase my works amidst many other experienced contemporary artists this time. I am also looking forward to exhibiting performance art entitled ‘Samdhi’ on the opening day.