‘Silk Road Echoes’ Art Exhibition Kicks Off in Kathmandu, Celebrating 70 Years of Nepal–China Diplomatic Ties
Kathmandu – A colorful celebration of art and diplomacy unfolded in Kathmandu this Saturday as the “Silk Road Echoes, Art Unites Hearts” exhibition officially opened at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Naxal. The exhibition marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China, showcasing the deepening cultural ties between the two neighbors.
The event is a joint effort by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Silk Road Cities Alliance, and the China Cultural Center in Nepal.
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala, along with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, jointly inaugurated the exhibition. In her remarks, Koirala emphasized that such cultural initiatives go beyond politics and help connect people on a deeper, emotional level.
“This exhibition does more than bring together art and culture, it brings our people closer and strengthens the relationship between Nepal and China,” she said.
Naradmani Hartamchhali, Chancellor of the Academy, highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in his address. He said that this special exhibition plays a vital role in deepening the Nepal-China relationship and described art as a bridge that unites people, not just a form of aesthetic expression.
Ambassador Chen Song echoed similar sentiments, noting that Nepal–China relations are rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and partnership. He expressed happiness at seeing artists from both countries share the same platform and stressed the need to continue such collaborations in the future.
Wu Bixiu, Secretary General of the Silk Road Cities Alliance and Beijing Belt & Road Cooperative Community, shared that the artwork on display reflects the diverse dimensions of both nations. He emphasized the importance of hosting more such events to further strengthen Nepal–China relations.
The exhibition features the works of prominent Nepali artists including Naradmani Hartamchhali, Kiran Manandhar, KK Karmacharya, Lalkaji Lama, Pradeep Adhikari, Saurganga Darshandhari, Dineshwar Mahto, Sanjay Bantawa, Aruna Hingmang, Man Bahadur Dong, AC Suman, Zhigme Lama, Lalman Lama, Sundar Singhwal, Nirymaya Lama, Lok Chitrakar, Mukti Singh Thapa, Purna Prasad Hyoju, Shankar Joshi, Seema Sharma, Umashankar Sah, Sita Devi Karn, Navindra Man Rajbhandari, Asha Dangol, Nemba Gole, Keshavraj Khanal, Liladhar KC, Damodar Baral, Ujaya Raj Bajracharya, NB Gurung, Manoj Tamang, Samjhana Rajbhandari, Rajkumar Ranamagar, Maila Dong, Ram Narayan Mahto, Ruby Pathak, Rajan Maharjan, Rasik Raj, Saila Lama (Mangal), Prithvi Shrestha, Binod Limbu, and Aarti Sah.
From China, participating artists include Li Mingquan, He Dong, Lu Hongming, Wang Qihua, Yong Jincheng, Xu Jinping, Lu Dajiang, Zhu Lihong, Zeng Yingchun, Tan Hongjing, Zhang Gouchou, Zhang Dongxia, Lou Hongtai, Xu Xian, and Zhang Guangmao.
The exhibition is curated by Pradeep Shakya, a member of the academy’s council, and a curatorial team. It will remain open to the public until August 16 (Shrawan 31).
Saturday’s opening was attended by a wide range of guests including diplomats, government and private sector representatives, artists, journalists, and art enthusiasts, all gathered to witness how creativity can foster friendship across borders.
