The week-long Himalayan Art Camp 2025 concluded in Patan with a dynamic exhibition that brought together artistic voices from across the globe. Held at the Patan Museum Gallery, the closing exhibition marked the culmination of a collaborative journey that featured artists from 15 countries.
Organised by E-Arts Nepal in partnership with the Lalitpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), this year’s camp underscored the power of art to transcend borders and celebrate Nepal’s cultural identity. The event, running from May 18 to 22, transformed the historic Patan Museum Courtyard into a vibrant studio, where artists worked side by side, drawing inspiration from the architecture, heritage, and energy of Patan.
Ten prominent Nepali artists—ranging from traditional Paubha masters to contemporary painters—participated in the camp. Renowned artist Kiran Manandhar, known for his abstract expressionist works, joined hands with Japanese sculptor Katsumi Mukai to inaugurate the camp with a symbolic lamp lighting and a joint canvas painting session.
Over the course of the week, international artists contributed diverse perspectives shaped by their own cultural contexts. From Cambodian painter Chhim Sothy’s reflections on identity to Canadian artist Lisa Larson Lee’s vibrant abstractions, the artworks created during the camp reflected a rich dialogue between tradition and innovation.
The final exhibition, inaugurated by Lalitpur Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan on May 24, featured the artworks produced during the camp. Running until May 28, the exhibition attracted art lovers, students, and community members, offering a glimpse into a collaborative creative process that emphasised unity in diversity.
Senior Vice President of LCCI, Susan Maharjan, said the event was not only a celebration of art but also an opportunity to promote Lalitpur as a hub for cultural tourism. “This kind of artistic collaboration strengthens our city’s global cultural connections,” she noted.
Art talks and a fusion musical evening were also part of the week’s program, enriching the experience for both artists and the public.
As the brushes are cleaned and canvases dried, the Himalayan Art Camp 2025 leaves behind more than finished artworks—it leaves behind friendships, shared visions, and a renewed sense of global creativity grounded in Nepal’s living heritage.
