Dorjee Khando
Kasthamandap Artists Group carries history for 24 years, its a pin between old and new generation of artist.
Established by 8 artists in 1994. The organization was lead by Prashant Shrestha, who passed away 5 years after the establishment which is now looked after by its founding members (Asha Dangol, Erina Tamrakar, Bhairaj Maharjan, Pramila Bajracharya and Binod Pradhan)
Asha Dangol completed his Master’s in Fine Arts (MFA) from Tribhuvan University and Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (BFA) from Lalit Kala Campus, Kathmandu. Asha has been practicing and creating arts and paintings and has been exhibiting his artworks since 1992. He has had 11 solo exhibitions and one retrospective show in Nepal and has been exhibited in different countries. He has participated in national and international art camps, workshops and residency programs. He is the coordinator for the Himalayan Art Camp and Himalayan Art Festival organized by E-Arts Nepal.
Kasthamandap Artists Group carries an importance in the society as it been trying its best to make an intact grup between the two generations so the art stays and continues in the coming generation.
Their first online art gallery E-Arts Nepal was established in 2010 to grab the interest of the global art market. E-Arts Nepal not only aims to provide quality paintings and sculptures to the art lovers of the world but also wish to offer the flavor of native Nepali culture through the artworks to the global audience. The catalog in the Site contains a number of authentic paintings, prints and sculptures by 60 Nepalese artists.
What do you think is important in the art world?
In art world, three things are very important; Patience, dedication and persistence.
How do you promote your work?
Our work is mainly promoted by Siddhartha Art Gallery, Nepal Art Council,
E-Arts Nepal, Yala Mandala Gallery and local art collector and corporate house.
What do you think makes an art popular?
By art critics and big auction houses as well as publicity makes on the popularity of the painters and the artists. Not just that, but dedication and time assigned to it as well.
Why are there few art students?
There are a number of reason for that. When you are into art, it takes your time, money and all of those less return of investment, and that isn’t something people look for. Additional to that, there is just a handful of art college here; Lalit Kala Campus, Sirjana College of Fine Arts and Kathmandu University School of Arts and Design.
Any suggestions on art development?
I suggest all 7 provinces of Nepal should have a government fine art college where students could pursue art and preserve the local art. In this way, we don’t lose our culture and it stays alive with us. And, art should be TAX free.
What about the color used while painting, is it imported or you guys still use the local colors?
Right now, there are a number of colors for painting which are imported from the foreign countries, but the use of local paint color made by stones are still in use in Paubha arts (Newar arts).
What do you think of market in Nepal?
Local market for art is growing. Before, the sales were just done by foreigners but now local art collectors, banks and corporate houses take an interest in it as well.
What do you think an artist should have if s/he want to take art professionally?
Artist should be passionate on his/her art journey with his/her dedication and determination.
