Silent Whispers
Exhibition Statement
The Himalayan Art Award was established in December 2008 by Margie Thomas. She established the award in memory of her close personal friend and renowned travel artist Murray Zanoni, a friend of the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) who had visited and sketched in the Himalaya on a number of occasions. It was a way of honoring Murray and his wishes to support young artists who might struggle to find the time and/or resources to express their talent. Margie has close ties both professionally and personally with Nepal and couldn’t think of a better place to kick-start the Art Award.
With the invaluable assistance and guidance of Ms. Sangeeta Thapa, Director and Curator of Siddhartha Gallery and a driving force in the art scene in Kathmandu, two young Nepalese artists were interviewed, selected, and granted the award. The inaugural award was established by Murray’s estate to encourage and enable these young artists to continue their art and allow time to focus on producing a body of work.
Integral to the award was an obligation by the artist(s) to donate to the AHF one major and one minor work, which was auctioned at a fundraising evening in Australia. The funds raised from the auction were then allocated to sponsor the award the following year. Therefore, the award has been self-sustaining. This year the AHF has found a benefactor interested in the arts, who is sponsoring the award in 2025.
Sangeeta Thapa
Founder Director
Artist Statement
This series, a tapestry woven with threads of deep emotional bonds, captures the poignant experiences of grandmothers as I have felt them. Though their ways of life are mirrored reflections, their journeys through time are uniquely their own. With an insatiable curiosity about these journeys, I have endeavoured to tell their tales through the lens of the imagination. These grandmothers lived lives of simplicity and contentment, deeply rooted in family and ceaselessly occupied with its care.
In the twilight of their years, they converse quietly with their own souls, reflecting on unfulfilled emotional longings that dwell only in the realm of their fantasies. In my artistic renderings, I perceive them seeking a place within the familial tapestry they once wove so meticulously, giving voice to their dreams and desires in the fragments of their memories.
These narratives breathe new life into ancient miniature paintings, serving as symbols of memories and aspirations. Through these delicate brushstrokes, their emotions are revered, and they are celebrated as the storytellers they have always been.
Muna Bhadel
Visual Artist
Art Gallery, Exhibition Hall & Council
If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced
Nepal’s artistic landscape is as diverse and dynamic as its rich cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene corners of Patan, the country boasts a variety of art galleries, exhibition halls, and cultural councils that serve as vital platforms for artistic expression and appreciation.
Nepal Art Council (NAC)
- Location: Babar Mahal, Kathmandu
- Description: Founded in 1962, the Nepal Art Council is a key organization promoting art and culture in Nepal. It organizes large-scale exhibitions and art events, providing an inclusive space for artists to showcase their work.
- Specialization: Traditional and contemporary art exhibitions, national art events, workshops, and art competitions.
If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced
Vincent van Gogh
Siddhartha Art Gallery
- Location: Baber Mahal Revisited, Kathmandu
- Description: Established in 1987, Siddhartha Art Gallery is one of Nepal’s most prominent art spaces, hosting numerous national and international exhibitions. It showcases both contemporary and traditional art, providing a platform for emerging and established artists.
- Specialization: Contemporary art exhibitions, collaborative projects, art residencies, and workshops.
Taragaon Museum
- Location: Boudhanath, Kathmandu
- Description: The Taragaon Museum focuses on Nepal’s architectural and artistic heritage. The museum frequently hosts exhibitions highlighting Nepali artists and international art collaborations.
- Specialization: Architecture, art exhibitions, cultural preservation, and artistic heritage.
Gallery Mcube
- Location: Patan, Lalitpur
- Description: Gallery Mcube is known for promoting experimental and contemporary art. It is a dynamic space for creative expression, offering exhibitions, art talks, and public interactions.
- Specialization: Contemporary art, experimental projects, artist workshops, and residencies.
Dalai-La Art Space
- Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
- Description: A cultural space located inside the Dalai-La Boutique Hotel, this gallery frequently hosts contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and community events to engage both artists and visitors.
- Specialization: Contemporary art exhibitions, photography, and public art events.
Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
- Location: Naxal, Kathmandu
- Description: NAFA is a prestigious institution focused on promoting fine arts in Nepal. It regularly organizes art exhibitions, workshops, residencies, and conferences, and supports artists through its platform.
- Specialization: Visual arts, sculpture, painting, and traditional Nepali art exhibitions.
Classic Gallery
- Location: Kupondole, Lalitpur
- Description: Classic Gallery is a space dedicated to fostering creativity and talent in both established and emerging artists. The gallery regularly organizes group exhibitions, solo shows, and art talks.
- Specialization: Contemporary art, group and solo exhibitions, and cultural events.
Takpa Gallery
- Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Description: Takpa Gallery is a prominent art space in Kathmandu that serves as a platform for diverse artistic expressions, blending contemporary and traditional art practices. It offers a dynamic environment where local and international artists can connect, collaborate, and showcase their work
- Specialization: Contemporary Nepali Art,Showcasing modern artistic expressions by local and international artists.