Art in Nepal

SHRADHA PAL

KATHMANDU: When shopping goes beyond just dresses and shoes, perhaps a new path to tread would be into the world of art. But to make this memorable, you need to adhere to certain things and understand the scenario of art in Nepal. So getting straight to the point, here are some questions answered by experts that will help you with shopping and investing in paintings.

Keep in mind…

While buying a painting always check its condition. Also make sure that you get the certificate of authenticity as not everyone practices this, which shouldn’t be the case.

While hanging the painting, keep some gap between the two so that no moisture penetrates. Keep away from direct sunlight. Never put it in front or under the AC. These are important because the temperature affects the paintings.

Should one

invest in art?

Definitely one should, after all we will be investing in our culture and tradition. And this should stay in the country. Besides the value of art is going up.

I can’t say for individual artists, but in the gallery sales are slow. The year 2011-12 has been the slowest. Since 2009, sales have dropped by 50 per cent. The reason is perhaps the political instability. People have to worry about basic things that art become secondary.

Present trend

Different things are happening — from installations to paintings to prints. And a trend fast emerging in the market is photography. Yet it has many grounds to improve on here as compared to the West.

— Sangita Thapa,

Director of Siddhartha

Art Gallery



Present scenario

It's good. Buyers are more careful these days, they study the artists and their work. My exhibitions are conducted abroad as well, but my work sells more here because they know me.

Should one

invest in art?

One should and some people do buy art as investment. Even the value of art is increasing. For instance, a painting of mine that cost Rs 10,000 six years ago is now priced at Rs 30,000.

Unfortunately, we don’t have an art critique or art promoter; this makes it difficult for the market of art to flourish.

— Chirag Bangdel, Artist

Present scenario

It has improved from earlier days. There are lots of art institutes coming up as well. But we don’t have a specific client for us and that is where we lag. Even the political instability contributes to this. For the art market to flourish, only Nepali clients will not be enough. We will need foreign dealers as well.

Nonetheless, there is a big market for traditional art here. Banks have started buying the art, people even buy for their homes and a few business houses buy art as well.

Should one

invest in art?

There is no trend as such for investing though we are trying to make people aware. The value is increasing as a 10-year-old painting’s price is 10 times more now.

Art is still not seen as business here. One of the main reasons for this is we don’t have art dealers here. Individually artists are doing well through contact, but the art sector as a whole hasn’t improved.

— Kiran Manandhar,

Senior artist