3. Nov -Dec 2011

ART
never seen a face of an art institution in their lives. It is not
that one should have qualms on being a political cadre
but the primary issue is one should have proven ability
to accomplish the noble academic tasks as enshrined
in the given statute. Imagine a scenario if people
doing Bachelors or Masters in Science are appointed
the honorable members of an academy of science or
technology? This is what precisely happened in Nepali art
today and thanks are entirely due the culture of extreme
political meddling and the desire of the leaders to reward
their henchmen.
Now it is more than one and half years, the ‘Academicians’
have been appointed and since then enjoying from the
state funds - the hard earned tax-money paid by the
poor Nepali people. So it is also time to expect some
‘academic’ works in return. But the returns are hard
to find. Agreed that the period is too short to make
tangible long term works but it is too long enough to
at least chart out an outline of future course of actions
to come. The accomplishments made so far it seems
limited to purchase glossy limousines, make elaborate
refurbishment of office cabins : and to exhaust the given
state given budget and wait for another budget to come.
And a defensive argument may come that a ’National Art
Exhibition’ has been organized. But it may well be noted
that it remains a poor continuation of an old ritual initiated by
late king Birendra some forty five years ago with a meager
budget. What the people expect from an ‘Academy’ is
academic works. No less!
Forget ‘academic‘ research works, instead a recent
news coming out from the ‘Academy’ in public says
‘Academicians’ are now at each other’s throat over the issue
of commission spoils coming out of the new car purchasesamounting
millions. On 16 th this July, with a liberal display of
‘Khukri’ and followed by ransacking of office premises, the
so-called ‘academy’ unveiled its true face before the world
making the entire art-fraternity of Nepal’s head bow low.
For these acts of shame, the ‘Academicians’ are not to be
blamed for what had happened -because they are known for
that. The blame and fault entirely lies in the poor judgment of
the members of the Selection Committee albeit they remain
of questionable integrity and the political decision maker
who wanted to reward his henchmen above the principle of
right men in right place.
Unfortunately in short, the present constitution of present
set –up would sure to go down in the annals of Nepali Art
history not only as an absolute mockery of meritocracy but
also as an intentional affront to the people who had helped
shape a modern face of Nepali Art. •
November - December 2011
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