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Tracing an artist’s journey
In Nepal, books on art are a few and far in between, and books on artists, especially women artists, are even rarer.In Nepal, books on art are a few and far in between, and books on artists, especially women artists, are even rarer. But now Ragini Upadhyay: A Leading Modern Nepali Artist, which was launched in the Capital on Monday, is seeking to break the mould.
Upadhyay, the incumbent Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, has been in the Nepali art scape for over four decades, working as an artist and an administrator. The new book brings forth Upadhyay’s artistic persona and traces her endevours through the decades.
The book was penned jointly by eminent art critic Madan Chitrakar and Bina Sarkar Iliyaz. The authors examine Upadhyay’s artistic journey, shedding light to her style, and themes she has played with.
The book was unveiled on Monday by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae. Speaking at the event, Rae said, “Upadhyay has played a pivotal role in taking Nepali arts to the world at large. That Upadhyay is the chief of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, at a time when the parliament and office of president are also headed by women is itself a matter of pride.” Speaking about Upadhyay’s artistry, Rae noted, “Upadhyay’s works are layered, which have made her a prominent figure in Nepali arts. The book can be very resourceful to any art enthusiast.”
At the event, author Madan Chitrakar talked about his motivation behind writing the book. “Upadhyay’s contribution to Nepali arts has been remarkable. As a leading Nepali artist, Upadhyay works in themes ranging from society and politics to nature. Her works have reached audiences far and wide, which motivated us to come up with this book,” Chitrakar said. Meanwhile, speaking at the event, journalist Shekhar Kharel passed a brief critique on the book.
The book was publishedby TBC Studies Centre, with support from BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation.