Nepal–Russia Art Club exhibition opens in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: The annual exhibition of Nepal–Russia Art Club opened at the Russian House in Kathmandu on September 9, featuring 28 works by 28 artists.

Jointly organised by the Russian House in Kathmandu, the Nepal–Russia Art Club and Sushma Art Gallery, the exhibition will remain open to visitors until September 20.

Former Agriculture Minister and Member of Parliament Padma Aryal inaugurated the exhibition. Aryal served as Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development and Minister of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation from 2018 to 2020.

Dharma Raj Shakya, adviser to the Nepal–Russia Art Club, presented an overview of the exhibition. The club also announced the members of its newly elected Executive Committee, who expressed their commitment to strengthening friendship between Nepal and Russia through art and culture.

Anastasia Khokhlova, head of the Russian House in Kathmandu, said 2026 marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia. She said cultural exchanges had long helped the people of the two countries understand each other better.

“It gives me great pleasure to extend my warm greetings to the Nepal–Russia Art Club and Sushma Art Gallery on this occasion,” she said.

Khokhlova said the friendship between Nepal and Russia was based on mutual respect, cooperation and cultural exchange. She noted that the Nepal–Russia Art Club, established in 2012, had worked with the Russian House in Kathmandu for 14 years and congratulated the club’s newly elected Executive Committee.

The exhibition includes “Russian Colors of Life” by Jyoti Khadka, which depicts a Russian woman in traditional attire surrounded by flowers, and “Nepal Russia Dance” by Sajani Shrestha, which portrays two dancers in national dress.

Other works explore Nepali and Russian cultural subjects, including Mithila art, Lord Ganesh, Buddha, the Himalayas and Russian landscapes.

Nepal–Russia Art Club President Sushma Rajbhandari said art transcended cultural differences and brought people closer together.

“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia through this exhibition,” she said.

Rajbhandari thanked the Russian House in Kathmandu, participating artists, organisers and well-wishers for their support. She also expressed hope that friendship between Nepal and Russia would continue to grow for generations.