Samaveta: A collective vision of Nepal’s emerging artists

The creative voices of a new generation of Nepali artists converge at the Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, in “Samaveta: MFA Graduate Show 2026,” an exhibition showcasing the works of 20 Master of Fine Arts (MFA) graduates from the Central Department of Fine Arts, Tribhuvan University. Opened on July 1, the exhibition presents a compelling collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, and printmaking that marks the culmination of two years of intensive artistic practice.

The title Samaveta, a Nepali word meaning “together,” aptly reflects the spirit of the exhibition. While each artist presents an individual body of work shaped by personal experiences and artistic inquiry, the exhibition stands as a collective testament to the dedication and growth of the graduating class.

The participating artists are Andeng Angdembay, Anjali Tamang, David Basnet, Dilkendra Raj Tuladhar, Dipendra Thapa, Hari Bahadur Nepali, Kala Debi Limbu, Karuna Shrestha, Mingma Lama, Pradhi Rana, Prajwal Basnet, Pujan Limbu, Puskar Rai, Rasik Rai, Rishita Khatri, Roshan Khatri, Saugat Shrestha, Suman Thapa, Sunil Balami and Sushant Shree Rajbhandari.

Among them, 15 students graduated from the painting department under the supervision of artist and lecturer Pak Bahadur Thapa, three from the sculpture department under visual artist, sculptor and lecturer Bishnu Shrestha, and two from the printmaking department under printmaker and Associate Professor Seema Sharma Shah.

Spread across all floors of the Nepal Art Council, the exhibition offers visitors an immersive journey through diverse artistic expressions. Rather than adhering to a single aesthetic, the exhibition embraces plurality. The artworks negotiate themes of nature, culture, ecology, mythology, heritage, emotions, extraterrestrial beings, spirituality and personal identity, reflecting how young artists are reinterpreting inherited traditions through contemporary visual languages.

The coexistence of painting, sculpture, installation and printmaking creates a multidimensional experience where every artwork contributes to a broader dialogue on the evolving landscape of Nepali contemporary art. Collectively, the exhibition reveals artists who are confident enough to experiment without abandoning their cultural roots.

Established in 2011, the MFA programme at Tribhuvan University continues to nurture emerging practitioners despite infrastructural challenges. “Looking at the scenario of the department, where the university building has not been fully repaired after the earthquake and with the limited available resources, the execution in the exhibition is impressive,” says Thapa.

The remarkable quality and quantity of the works on display not only demonstrate the resilience and commitment of these graduates but also promise a vibrant and steady future for Nepal’s contemporary art scene. As these artists step beyond academia, Samaveta stands as both a celebration of their collective journey and a glimpse into the next chapter of Nepali art.

If you love discovering fresh artistic voices, Samaveta is a must-visit, which runs until July 4.

Photos: Sangita Shrestha