Kathmandu:

Due to the fast destruction of our ecological wealth, its conservation charts among top priorities in the world today. In a country like Nepal, which boasts of tremendous natural treasures, this issue has gained all the more importance.

One such attempt towards conservation of our natural resources has been launched by IUCN (World Conservation Union) in the form of Art for Conservation Initiative (ACI). The first part of the initiative will be marked by a weeklong art exhibition by over 10 artists that is being held at the Nepal Art Council from July 5.

“The proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards a fund pool to raise awareness on nature conservation among people. We also hope to rope in artistes from diverse fields to organise these kind of fund raising events in future,” said Prabhu Budhathoki, IUCN’s country representative, at a press meet on July 4.

The works at the exhibition are based on the artists’ impression of nature after a 10-day stint at the Chitwan National Park. They have used mediums like acrylic and watercolour, and their paintings range from figurative to abstract. Wild animals, especially the rhino and elephant, forest, dominate their paintings. Some of them have also conceptualised trees as female forces.

The participating artists are Shashi Bikram Shah, Birendra Pratap Singh, Gyanmani Roy, Sudarshan Bikram Rana, Erina Tamrakar, Sunita Rana, Rajendra KC, Asha Dangol and Krishna Prasad Tiwari.