'Cycle Culture in Painting' workshop organized to promote cycle culture in Nepal

Published On: October 6, 2023 06:53 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Oct 6: The Cycle Culture Community (CCC) recently organized a unique workshop titled “Cycle Culture in Paintings” with the primary objective of supporting the "national bicycle act and activism" in Nepal.

The initiative organized on the occasion of World Tourism Day-2023, also aligned with the sustainable development goals and the 'green investment' mission of the United Nations. The workshop marked the formal commencement of a long-term artistic cycle culture movement themed around "green bonds."

The workshop commenced with a bicycle rally led by women cyclists starting from Patan Darbar Square and passing through Basantapur, Thamel, and KingsWay, culminating at the Nepal Tourism Board. The rally aimed to promote cycling as an eco-friendly means of transportation and symbolize the support for the "national bicycle act & activism."

Distinguished visual artists, including former Chancellors of the Academy of Fine Arts—Kiran Manandhar, Ragini Upadhya, and K.K. Karmacharya—graced the event. They were joined by numerous other artists as well as renowned cyclists like Ajay Pandit Chhetri, Usha Khanal, and Suraj Rana, who were honored for their contributions to promoting cycling in Nepal. Laxmi Shrestha and Urmila Shakya, dedicated coaches encouraging women to cycle, were also recognized for their significant efforts.

The workshop featured a unique collaboration between intellectuals, artists, and cyclists, all coming together to advocate for cycling culture through artistic expressions. Participants collectively inaugurated the workshop by adding their brush strokes to the canvas, a historic moment according to writer Prof. Abhi Subedi.

In a symbolic gesture to promote cycling culture, artists from outside the Kathmandu Valley also joined the workshop. Tseten Sherpa from Jhapa Kakadbhitta, who has been practicing art activism to save trees by cycling and painting for a decade, expressed his joy at seeing his dream of bridging art, cycling, and nature come to fruition.

Reflecting on Kathmandu's past, K.K. Karmacharya recalled a time when cycling culture prevailed in the valley. Kiran Manandhar shared the story of his bicycle, which had reached the base camp of Mt. Everest. Ragini Upadhyaya, donning a complete green attire, celebrated the event enthusiastically in the midst of fellow cyclists.

What made this workshop even more remarkable was the collective support it received from common people, who contributed financially from their own pockets to make the event possible. The Nepal Tourism Board generously supported the venue, while the rest of the expenses were covered through this grassroots financial support.

Looking ahead, the organizers aim to create 50 to 70 paintings based on the cycle culture and environmental justice theme. Senior artists are diligently working on their canvases to produce meaningful and impactful creations. The paintings will be showcased in a weeklong exhibition at the Art Council after the publication of a catalog. Additionally, they will be exhibited at open heritage sites to reach a broader audience. The program is set to be expanded to all seven provinces, promoting the fusion of cycle community, art activism, and academics for a sustainable future.

The “Cycle Culture in Paintings” workshop is expected to play a vital role in connecting the cycle community with art and academics for the betterment of society and the environment. Cycle Culture Community is committed to running long-term creative events and programs to support bicycle act & activism in Nepal, aiming to initiate a significant cycle culture movement.