Kathmandu, October 16
Senior artist and writer Sharda Chitrakar’s book Samaya Chakra was launched at the Nepal Art Council in Babarmahal, Kathmandu, on Thursday.
Erina Tamrakar, chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, and former minister Riddhibaba Pradhan jointly launched the book on October 15.
Speaking at the event, Tamrakar described Chitrakar as a source of inspiration for Nepal’s art sector. She said the book explores the artist’s life experiences, her perspectives on painting and her understanding of folk art. She also noted that Chitrakar had established her identity through her own creative journey, beyond being known as the daughter of renowned artist Tej Bahadur Chitrakar.
Chitrakar recalled the inspiration and support she received from her parents, Tej Bahadur and Mankeshari Chitrakar, in pursuing art. She stressed the need to preserve Nepal’s folk art, saying its gradual disappearance made conservation a shared responsibility.
Pradhan, an archaeologist and cultural heritage conservationist, described Samaya Chakra as a reflection of Chitrakar’s life and experiences growing up in a male-dominated society.
Born in Kathmandu in 1941, Chitrakar has been active in art for nearly seven decades. She has also served as an academician and vice-chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, contributing to women artists’ empowerment and the preservation and promotion of Nepali folk art.
