Culture

The Himalaya has a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of traditional art forms, providing deep insights into the philosophies that influence life in the region. The AHF Himalayan Art Award provides support for emerging artists who would otherwise struggle to find the resources to express their talent.

Background

AHF Himalayan Art Award

The Himalayan Art Award was established in December 2008 by Margie Thomas. Margie was keen to create the award in memory of renowned travel artist Murray Zanoni, who visited and sketched in the Himalaya throughout his life. The award was a way to honour Murray and his wish to support young, struggling Himalayan artists. The inaugural award was provided by Murray’s estate in honour of his legacy.

AHF established a relationship with Sangeeta Thapa of Siddhartha Art Gallery in Kathmandu. As owner and curator, Sangeeta is close to the Nepalese art scene. With Sangeeta’s help, one or two young Nepalese artists have been chosen on average every two years to take part in the project. The program has been an outstanding success in encouraging contemporary artists in Nepal to flourish. Learn more below about the incredible artists who have launched careers after winning.

Past Himalayan Art Award recipients

  • image of 2024 AHF himalayan art award recipient Tashi Lama

    Tashi Lama

    Visual Artist, Winner 2024

    Tashi is a Member of Aakrit Collective and was recently announced as the 2024 winner of the AHF Himalayan Art Award.

  • image of 2022 AHF himalayan art award recipient Muna Bhadel

    Muna Bhadel

    Visual Artist, Winner 2022

    Muna's 2024 exhibition Silent Whispers showcased a powerful collection of paintings and drawings that explore the intricate realms of emotion, psychology, social dynamics and the struggles faced by women in a deeply patriarchal society.

  • Image of 2019 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Bidyhaman Tamang

    Bidyhaman Tamang

    Printmaker, Winner 2019

    Born in Ramechhap, Bidyhaman is among generations of Nepalis uprooted from their villages. His work visually reflects childhood memories, infused with nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the landscapes of Ramechhap from decades past.

  • Image of 2018 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Bidhata K.C

    Bidhata K.C

    Visual Artist, Winner 2018

    Since winning the 2018 Himalayan Art Award, Bidhata has held solo exhibitions, participated in numerous international residencies and received awards for her work.

  • Image of 2018 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Manish Lal Shrestha

    Manish Lal Shrestha

    Visual Artist, Winner 2018

    Manish has gone on to showcase his work in solo exhibitions, participate in numerous international residencies and earn awards for his artistic contributions.

  • Image of 2016 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Shraddha Shrestha

    Shraddha Shrestha

    Visual Artist & Illustrator, Winner 2016

    Since her win, Shraddha has designed a limited edition collection of artist t-shirts for Kathmandu Outdoors’ 30th anniversary in 2017.

  • Image of 2016 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Kiran Maharjan

    Kiran Maharjan

    Visual Artist, Winner 2016

    Kiran has actively participated in various arts festivals and residencies since winning the AHF Himalayan Art Award in 2016.

  • Image of 2014 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Surrendra Maharjan

    Surendra Maharjan

    Printmaker, Winner 2014

    Surendra has taken part in several national exhibitions in Nepal and works as an illustrator for Books for Change.

  • Image of 2014 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Saurganga Darshandhari

    Saurganga Darshandhari

    Winner 2014

    Saurganga has showcased her work in various residencies and is a proud recipient of the Shakti Art by Women Award.

  • Image of 2013 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Sujan Dangol

    Sujan Dangol

    Visual Artist, Winner 2013

    Sujan has gone on to participate in several international residencies and art events.

  • Image of 2013 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Anil Shahi

    Anil Shahi

    Visual Artist, Winner 2013

    Since his win, Anil has taken on a teaching role at the Kathmandu University Centre for Art and Design.

  • Image of 2013 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Pasang Lama

    Pasang Lama

    Photographer & Gallerist, Winner 2013

    Pasang was a winner of the 2013 AHF Himalayan Art Award.

  • Image of 2011 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Laxman Karmacharya

    Laxman Karmacharya

    Visual Artist, Winner 2011

    Laxman has become actively involved in creating murals with the Devotee Art Group since winning the AHF Himalayan Art Award.

  • Image of 2011 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Hitman Gurung

    Hitman Gurung

    Visual Artist, Winner 2011

    Hitman has showcased his work in prestigious exhibitions both nationally and internationally.

  • Image of 2010 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Sushma Shakya

    Sushma Shakya

    Visual Artist, Winner 2010

    Since her win, Sushma has taught art at Trinity International College and participated in both local and international artist residencies.

  • Image of 2010 AHF Himalayan art award recipient Kailash Shrestha

    Kailash Shrestha

    Visual Artist, Winner 2010

    Kailash went on to found the art collective ARTUDIO and was appointed the Leading Artist from Nepal for the British Council’s Rivers of the World Project.

  • “As a recipient of the Australian Himalayan Foundation award, I must say it was an immense help for achieving my ideas and visions. The liberty to do whatever I wanted and have the capacity to just focus on art making was immense. The award has helped me reach a wider audience with my art and was a great boost for my art career.”

    — Kiran Maharjan

  • “I felt the freshness in the AHF award exhibition. I could relate more with the recipients and their process of working. I loved how AHF was highlighting the up and coming artists within the art community and I enjoyed checking out the AHF shows at the Siddhartha Art Gallery. It is almost a one of a kind award at the moment in the city so it is very important for the receivers and the audience.”

    — Manish Lal Shrestha

  • “Like every other award, this award definitely gave me encouragement to further my art practice with creativity and dedication. There is no doubt that this award pushed me a step further to do my best. I was totally satisfied to hear the wonderful feedback of my works in both exhibitions and I still feel that these 2 exhibitions which I did under this Award were one of the best of my works.”

    — Bidhata K.C.

A man walks through a gallery of paintings made during and art relief therapy session after the Nepal earthquake in 2015

Art therapy

Earthquake relief

In 2015 the Himalayan Art Award winners traveled to the Solukhumbu to aid in earthquake relief efforts, supported by the Australian Himalayan Foundation and REED Nepal. The artists dedicated their time to conducting art therapy sessions for children at MehandraJyoti Secondary School in Chaurikharka.

Siddhartha Art Gallery

Local partner

Siddhartha Art Gallery was founded on September 27, 1987, in Kathmandu, Nepal, by art patron Sangeeta Thapa and internationally acclaimed artist Shashikala Tiwari. Established as a contemporary art space, it serves as a hub for both national and international artists. Sangeeta also plays a key role in nominating recipients for the Himalayan Art Award and showcasing their work through exhibitions at the gallery.

A textile featuring a print of a woman on a motorbike in traditional Nepali drawing style

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