Kathmandu, December 12
A special programme titled “Ramananda Joshi: Emerging Visions of Nepali Art” was held on Friday, organised by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). The event brought together artists, scholars and cultural leaders to reflect on Joshi’s intellectual contributions and lasting influence on Nepal’s visual art traditions.
The programme was chaired by Sanjay Bantawa, Head of NAFA’s Contemporary Painting Department, with Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchhali as the chief guest. Art scholars Pranab Man Singh and Deepmala Maharjan presented papers examining Joshi’s artistic legacy, while artist Mukesh Malla provided critical commentary on their insights.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chancellor Hartamchhali said the programme underscored Joshi’s deep intellectual engagement and academic grounding. He noted that Joshi’s ability to adapt the artistic grammar he learned in India into a distinctly Nepali visual language reflects the depth of his artistic intellect. Emphasising that culture and art stand as civilisational assets, he said Joshi’s comprehensive body of work must be studied to guide younger generations in the complex discipline of fine arts.
NAFA Member Secretary Devendra Kumar Kafle ‘Thumkeli’ said Joshi was not only an artist but also an art activist and a multidimensional figure who envisioned institutional development for Nepal’s fine arts sector.
Department Head Bantawa highlighted Joshi as an innovator capable of merging modern styles with symbolic and spiritual elements. He stressed the need to research and archive Joshi’s diverse artistic themes for future study.
Academician Rameshnath Khanal, Academician Ratankumar Rai and Dibesh Man Singh Pradhan also expressed their views on the presentations and discussions.
The event saw the participation of NAFA council members, academicians, artists, writers and journalists.
