KATHMANDU
Artist Neera Joshi has represented Nepal in the XIIIth Florence Biennale, Fortezza Da Basso, Italy that began on October 23. This year’s theme is “Eternal Feminine. Eternal Change: Concepts of Femininity in Contemporary Art and Design” and will continue till October 31.
Neera's work on display at Wuhan Botanical Garden
According to a press statement released by the artist, the Florence Biennale is the most important international contemporary art exhibition in Florence and is regarded as an outstanding global event.
In the last twenty years, the Florence Biennale has offered to all participating artists an extraordinary intercultural and interdisciplinary experience. In recognition of this commitment, the Florence Biennale has been included in the program "Dialogue between civilizations" by the United Nations in 2001, and has obtained the patronage of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO in 2017. The XIIIth edition Florence Biennale is being held under the high patronage of the European Parliament and Tuscan Region and has engaged participating artists, designers and visitors in a rich program of collateral events, performances, screenings, workshops, conferences, presentations, and lectures.
Neera is showcasing a series of art works titled “Assimilation of Flora” dedicated to the theme of the concepts of Eternal Change and Femininity. She believes “Being a part of Florence Biennale is to serve, share and exchange knowledge in contemporary Art and make a path for future generations to come forward. She attended the event in Florence on October 23 to mark, celebrate and stand with “Eternal Feminine. Eternal Change: Concepts of Femininity in Contemporary Art and Design” entitled XIII th Florence Biennale, 2021.”
The exhibition space is sponsored by Pratima Pandé, Honorary Consulate General of Italy in Kathmandu, Nepal. The press statement quoted Pandé saying “I am proud and delighted to support Neera Joshi in her vital work as the most talented botanical illustrator in Nepal. I have collected her works for many years, and am extremely pleased that she continues to garner international recognition for her contribution to the arts. As the Honorary Consul for Italy in Nepal, I am particularly pleased at the exchange between our two countries, and hope for further such opportunities for Nepali artists in Italy.”
Likewise, it quoted Sangeeta Thapa, Director of the Siddhartha Arts Foundation (SAF) saying "Neera Joshi is Nepal's foremost botanical illustrator and we take pride in supporting her participation in the Florence Biennale. This is a historic moment for the Artist, the Foundation and the Nation as her participation marks the first time that a contemporary Nepali artist will be showcasing her work at the Biennale. Her solo exhibition at the Siddhartha Art Gallery in February 2021 was very well received and drew attention to the importance of archiving Nepal’s flora in the face of climate change. ”
