Artist in Studio
Our story begins in 1968 – initially as a Hostel,
then a Museum, and now as Taragaon Next.
At each step, our focus remains committed to the transcultural and
built heritage of Kathmandu.
Out here, in the midst of our garden, The Shigeru Ban House transforms into an artist studio space three times in a year. Contemporary artists are invited to experiment and further their practice, under the careful mentorship of our team.
Formerly the Nepal House Project, this structure was designed by Pritzker Prize winner Japanese architect Shigeru Ban in 2015, as a resilient prototype in response to a devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitude in the region. Today, this prototype is rediscovered as a studio space, a dynamic laboratory for artists to reflect, work, and create with diverse mediums and techniques.
For each iteration, an artist is selected through a democratic and inclusive open-call process.
At the end of their studio term, each artist’s work
is exhibited at our Gallery space, furthering their exposure towards new audiences.
Artist in Studio #9
Saurab Koirala
“I am drawn to nature, to the forms and colours of its creatures – the strength of a yak, the flash of a danphe’s feathers, the delicate legs of an insect. My sculptures, though, are not nature’s equal. They are metal, cold, still – mechanical echoes of life. They show what we’ve done: turned a […]
Artist in Studio #8
Manu Kumar Chaudhary
“Taking inspiration from the rich culture of the Tharu people, an indigenous community of the Terai region of Nepal. My artworks portray the deep-rooted connection between the community and nature, capturing scenes of everyday life. The artworks vividly capture the essence of Tharu daily life — from traditional motifs and patterns to cultural rituals and […]
Artist in Studio #7
Lujan Rai Dongol
“As a painter, I find inspiration in the mundane world – the movies I watch, the songs I listen to, and even the simple moments of daily life. I consider myself an observer of aesthetics and emotions, capturing the essence of my experiences through vibrant colors that bring my concepts to life. My work […]
Artist in Studio #6
Aishworya Shakya
Aishworya Shakya is a visual artist born in Lalitpur, Nepal. She discovered a deep connection with ceramic art during her Fine Arts studies and began using ceramics as her primary medium of expression. She believes in simplifying existence, romanticizing peace and finding comfort in healing. Most of her experiences of being at moments are rather […]
Artist in Studio #5
Barsha Manandhar
Barsha Manandhar is a contemporary artist who lives and works in Sitapaila, Kathmandu. She completed her bachelors in fine arts from Kathmandu University in 2023. In her practice, she focuses on issues concerning women. Her inspiration stems from her personal experiences and observations, reflecting on the concealed emotions and struggles that women endure. In this […]
Artist in Studio #4
Shaili Malla
Shaili Malla is a visual artist and Illustrator based in Kathmandu, Nepal. She is a graduate of Fine Arts from Kathmandu University, School of Arts, Department of Art and Design. Shaili’s art practices encompass a wide range of techniques, including painting, drawing, printmaking, digital art, and mixed media. Her artistic inspiration stems from the stories […]
Artist in Studio #2
Muna Bhadel
The Missing Souls The series of this work is impersonal as being personal. I was inspired by the book ‘Karnali Blues’ by Buddhi Sagar, in this book the writer has narrated about the busy business point of Bazaar ‘Khatashee’, and how it has faded away. Dapcha Bazaar where I spent my childhood has partly lost […]
Artist in Studio #1
Nabin Nalbo
Nabin Nalbo is a caricature artist who can make art out of a story that you tell him. During his time at Taragaon Next, Nalbo made caricatures of the stories told to him by visitors and exhibited them.
