As we approach the end of 2024, Artudio reflects on a year that has been nothing short of extraordinary—a year shaped by creativity, collaboration, and meaningful community impact. This vibrant journey has been a testament to the power of art to express, connect, inspire, and transform.
At Artudio, we’ve embraced our role as both an artist collective and a creative hub, consistently pushing boundaries hosting dynamic exhibitions and workshops to facilitating thought-provoking artist talks, we have pushed boundaries and sparked conversations that matter. Our local and international artist residencies brought diverse voices and perspectives, enriching our creative ecosystem. Through educational initiatives like ArtScool and community-driven programs, we’ve empowered individuals to explore their artistic potential and celebrate their stories.
As we celebrate these milestones, we remain deeply grateful for all the artists, collaborators, and communities who have been an integral part of this journey. Together, we’ve made 2024 a year to remember—and as we look ahead, we’re excited to continue shaping a future where art thrives and transforms lives.
Curating Transformative Narratives: Exhibitions That Resonated Deeply
This year, Artudio proudly presented six transformative exhibitions, each a testament to the power of art to inspire and challenge. Highlights included Phantasmal 2024 by Kailash K Shrestha and Between Colors and Spaces 2024 by Krisha Tamrakar, compelling solo shows hosted on Artsy. Additionally, three in-house exhibitions showcased the works of international residency artists Barbara Bryla and Anna Hartman-Ksycinska from Poland, Gerda Liudvinavičiūtė from Lithuania, and Chou Meng Yeh from Taiwan. A vibrant group exhibition also spotlighted five young and emerging talents: Arya Maharjan, Prasiddha Shakya, Kabir Kayastha, Lijen Maharjan, and Ranjan Khadkha.
These exhibitions traversed a spectrum of themes, from exploring socio-political dynamics to unveiling the subtle elegance of personal stories. Together, our physical gallery and virtual spaces became arenas where creativity blossomed, boundaries were redefined, and meaningful dialogues took root.
Additionally, the works of Krisha Tamrakar, Kailash K Shrestha, and Suchin Shrestha were featured in this year’s Himalayan Art Festival. Furthermore, the artworks of Krisha Tamrakar and Suchin Shrestha were exhibited in The Deities of Nepal II at the Nepal Art Council.
Workshops That Inspired Creativity, Healing, and Transformation
This year, Artudio hosted six transformative workshops that redefined traditional learning experiences. These included Healing Through Art by Kailash K Shrestha, Embroider Your World by AIAR artist Chou Meng Yeh from Taiwan, and a Ceramic Workshop under the mentorship of renowned ceramic artists Mark Nafziger and Joyce Nafziger. The ceramic workshop, held in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, engaged 10 female Nepali artists. Other highlights included Behind the Pages by Krisha Tamrakar and a workshop exploring alternative photography and journaling led by exhibiting artists from TIES. Each session fostered creativity, empowerment, and healing.
These workshops served as vibrant spaces for participants of all ages and backgrounds—both aspiring and seasoned artists—to exchange ideas, explore innovative techniques, and discover fresh ways to express themselves. By blending skill-building with personal growth, they empowered individuals to find their artistic voices and connect deeply with their creative potential.
Conversations That Bridge Worlds
This year, Artudio became a hub for dynamic dialogues and exchanges, bringing artists and audiences closer together. Krisha Tamrakar participated in two engaging panel discussions—one at Sattya Media Arts Collective and another at Line of Thought by Kathmandu University’s School of Arts, Department of Art and Design. She also delivered two inspiring presentations at Sunday Socials hosted by Himalayan Light Culture House and Incessant Rain Animation Studio.
Kailash K Shrestha added his voice to impactful conversations on Speak Up Nepal’s Podcast with Sojan Prajapati and Modern and Traditional Practices, a roundtable by Jho Media’s Round About.
Our collaborations with Kathmandu University brought enriching lecture series led by resident artist Gerda from Lithuania and American ceramic artists Mark and Joyce Nafziger, connecting students with global perspectives. Additionally, we hosted a compelling artist presentation by Taiwanese resident artist Chou Meng Yeh at Artudio.
These talks and presentations became catalysts for meaningful dialogue, where esteemed artists shared their journeys, challenges, and visions. By bridging worlds and perspectives, they inspired connections and deepened the relationship between art and its audience.
Shaping Narratives: Curatorial Projects That Redefined Perspectives
Artist Kailash K Shrestha took the lead in curating the transformative Ceramic Workshop “Blending Heritage with Modern Technique”, organized in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, Nepal. This initiative brought together 10 female Nepali artists, Aishworya Shakya, Anmari Tamang, Harshita Singh, Jyoti Priya Thakur, Priya Laxmi Prajapati, Pramila Rajkarnikar, Ranju Yadav, Sambika Basukala, Sushila Singh, and Sumitra Baral, with renowned American ceramicists Mark and Joyce Nafziger, blending heritage techniques with modern innovation.
Welcoming Creators from Across the Globe
This year, Artudio proudly became a sanctuary for creativity by hosting four international and two local artist residencies. Our studio transformed into a vibrant crossroads where diverse cultures, ideas, and practices converged.
International artists Anna Hartman-Ksycinska and Barbara Bryla from Poland, Gerda Liudvinavičiūtė from Lithuania, Chou Meng Yeh from Taiwan, and Mark and Joyce Nafziger from the United States immersed themselves in Nepal’s rich heritage—drawing inspiration from its landscapes, traditions, and people. Local residencies focused on nurturing homegrown talent, offering two promising Nepali artists, Saphal Shrestha and Niroj Bade, the opportunity to expand their creative horizons. Artudio provided them with studio space, living accommodations, and dedicated mentorship, ensuring they had the support needed to thrive.
These residencies weren’t just about making art; they were about building bridges and fostering growth. Artists engaged with the community, exchanged ideas, and left behind a legacy of collaboration and innovation. Through this cultural exchange and local empowerment, Artudio continues to shine as a global hub for artistic exploration and dialogue.
Publishing Creative Voices: Amplifying Stories Through Books and Zines
This year, Artudio celebrated the power of storytelling through the publication of three zines by the talented Krisha Tamrakar: Mr. and Mrs. Potato, The Great Roach Scape, and The Emotional Journey of Client Creative Projects. Each zine brought unique narratives to life, blending wit, emotion, and artistic ingenuity.
In addition, we collaborated with individual artists and publishers to release Three books; I wish I could Fly, Beyond Wonder Woman and Cap for pip , each serving as a testament to the richness and diversity of creative expression. These publications not only documented and archived artistic endeavors but also celebrated the limitless forms art can take, preserving them for future generations to discover and admire.
ArtScool: A New Venture in Art Education
Artudio proudly introduced ArtScool, our new educational initiative designed to nurture creativity and empower learners of all ages. With a focus on hands-on experiences, innovative approaches, and community engagement, ArtScool aims to inspire the next generation of artists while fostering a deeper appreciation for art’s transformative power.
This venture reaffirms our commitment to making art accessible and meaningful, ensuring a dynamic space where imagination flourishes and skills are honed.
Nurturing Young Minds
We successfully conducted the Little Araniko: Art Camps, an immersive program for young artists aged 5 to 15 to explore creativity and self-expression. Part of Artudio’s bi-annual initiative, now integrated with ArtScool and Bal Kala Sangrahalaya, the camps provided hands-on experiences guided by renowned Nepali artists, designers, and authors.
Through thoughtfully curated activities, participants engaged with diverse materials, techniques, and creative processes, nurturing their emotional well-being, technical skills, and artistic confidence. Designed to enhance observation, imagination, and emotional intelligence, the camps fostered holistic growth in a safe and stimulating environment.
The Little Araniko: Art Camps offered an unforgettable creative experience, inspiring a future generation of artistic thinkers and cultivating a lifelong passion for the transformative power of art.
Continuous Engagement with ArtSaturdays for all ages
Throughout the year, we successfully conducted 52 ArtSaturdays, a series of open studio art sessions held every Saturday, offering a consistent platform for individuals of all age groups to explore and engage with diverse artistic practices. These sessions were designed as inclusive spaces where creativity could flourish, welcoming participants ranging from beginners eager to discover their artistic potential to experienced creators seeking fresh inspiration.
Every weekend, we opened our studio to the community, providing an opportunity for hands-on exploration of various mediums, techniques, and ideas in a relaxed and supportive environment.
ArtSaturdays provided a rich and immersive experience, fostering a deep connection to art. These open studio sessions not only nurtured individual creativity but also brought together a vibrant community of learners and creators, united by their shared passion for the arts. By consistently making art accessible every weekend, ArtSaturdays planted the seeds for lifelong appreciation and innovation in artistic expression.
Expanding Horizons Through Partnerships
Artudio forged meaningful partnerships with Artsy.net, Thangkaa.com, Virinchi Collage and Digital Mantra, expanding the reach of Nepali art to global audiences, digital spaces and Educational integration.
Representing Nepal on the Global Stage
A defining moment for Artudio in 2024 was Manisha Shrestha, Manager of Bal Kala Sangrahalaya, representing Nepal at the AFS 29th Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This prestigious event allowed Manisha to engage with delegates from over 100 countries, sharing the powerful work Artudio has been doing in the fields of children’s and youth’s expression, art education, and community empowerment.
At the Assembly, Manisha highlighted how Artudio’s initiatives, particularly its focus on creative programs for young people, have created a lasting impact on local communities. Her presentation underscored how art can serve as a vehicle for change, empowering youth to express themselves and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Through this experience, Artudio’s mission resonated on a global platform, strengthening our connections to the international arts community and reinforcing the transformative power of creative expression.
Beyond the Numbers
This year has been more than just a series of cherished memories; it’s been about the meaningful connections made, the ideas ignited, and the communities nurtured through art. As we reflect on the milestones of 2024 and look to the future, Artudio remains dedicated to being a space where art thrives, stories unfold, and creativity has no limits.
As we turn the page, we look forward to another year of transforming lives through the power of art—together.
