Kathmandu Triennale 2017: Art, City, and Transformation

Introduction

The Kathmandu Triennale 2017 (KT 2017), Nepal’s premier international contemporary art exhibition, marked a significant milestone in the country’s cultural landscape. Organized by the , this inaugural edition transformed the city into a dynamic platform for artistic exchange, critical discourse, and public engagement. Under the theme "The City, My Studio / The City, My Life," the Triennale examined urbanization, migration, and identity through the works of over 50 artists from Nepal and around the world.  

Curated by Philippe Van Cauteren(Artistic Director of S.M.A.K., Belgium) and featuring Francis Alýs as Patron Artist, KT 2017 expanded on the legacy of the Kathmandu International Art Festivals (2009, 2012) while introducing a more structured, research-driven approach.  

 
The Vision: Art as a Catalyst for Change

KT 2017 positioned Kathmandu—a city undergoing rapid urbanization—as a microcosm of global challenges. The Triennale’s central exhibition, The City, My Studio / The City, My Life, explored how artists engage with urban spaces as both workplaces and lived environments. 

Van Cauteren described the city as:  

"A container of history, habits, and traditions—where artists act as urban archaeologists, uncovering stories that shape our collective experience."

 
The event aimed to:  

·      Promote Nepali contemporary art on a global stage.  

·      Stimulate dialogue on migration, environment, and heritage.  

·      Engage diverse audiences, from schoolchildren to international curators.  

Key Exhibitions & Programs

1.  Central Exhibition: The City, My Studio / The City, My Life

Featuring works by Nepali artists (Ashmina Ranjit, Hitman Gurung, Sujan Chitrakar) and international creators (Kader Attia, Imran Qureshi, Song Dong), the exhibition spanned multiple venues, including: 

·      Patan Museum

·      Nepal Art Council 

·      Siddhartha Art Gallery

·      Hyatt Regency, Boudha

Highlights included:  

·      Francis Alýs’s participatory performance, reflecting on urban movement and borders.  

·      Historic Perspective Section: A UNESCO-backed research project by Promina Shrestha, documenting Kathmandu’s artistic evolution (1900–2000).  

·      Children’s Section: Curated by Sharareh Bajracharya, engaging young audiences with architecture and heritage. 

2. Curated Showcases: Global Perspectives

KT 2017 partnered with international institutions for satellite exhibitions, such as:  

·      "Treasure of Nepal" by Gary Wornell (Finland), showcasing traditional craftsmanship.  

·      "Unbuilt/Rebuilt: City/Home" by Dr. Dina Bangdel (Qatar), exploring diaspora experiences.  

3. Symposium & Public Programs

·      Symposium: Curated by Veeranganakumari Solanki (India), with panels on art’s role in societal change.  

·      Capacity Building: Workshops led by visiting artists for Nepali practitioners.  

·      Public Art Interventions: Performances, 3D mappings, and community projects across Kathmandu.  

Impact & Legacy
 

·      Audience Reach: Over 500,000 visitors, surpassing KIAF 2012’s record.  

·      Media & Tourism: Featured in international press, boosting cultural tourism.  

·      Long-Term Outcomes:  

o   Strengthened Nepal’s position in global contemporary art circuits.  

o   Inspired future editions (KT 2020, KT 2024).  

o   Catalyzed collaborations between Nepali and international artists.  

Conclusion

The Kathmandu Triennale 2017 was more than an art exhibition—it was a transformative experience that redefined how Kathmandu interacts with contemporary creativity. By blending local narratives with global perspectives, KT 2017 affirmed art’s power to reflect, question, and reshape urban life.  

As SAF Director Sangeeta Thapa noted:  

"This Triennale is a gift to Nepal—a celebration of resilience, diversity, and the unyielding spirit of artists."

Image Credits: 

1. Siddhartha Arts Foundation  

2. Patan Museum Archives  

3. Documentation by Artudio Nepal