Erina Tamrakar

Erina Tamrakar is a prominent contemporary artist based in Kathmandu, Nepal, and a co-founder of the Kasthamandap Artists Group. She has made significant contributions to the Nepali art scene through her innovative works and dedication to promoting contemporary art.
Background and Education
Education: Erina holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Lalitkala Campus and Tribhuvan University, respectively. Her artistic journey began as a curiosity but evolved into a deep commitment to art, encouraged by the late artist Prashant Shrestha.
Artistic Focus and Contributions
Themes: Tamrakar's artwork often centers on themes of womanhood, exploring the various dimensions and complexities of women's lives. She aims to portray women's strength and resilience, often incorporating symbolic elements like the "third eye" in her paintings to represent feminine power.
Exhibitions: Over her career, she has held more than 20 solo exhibitions, including notable ones like Touch of Purity, Women Nature, Umbrella Series, and Women and Moon. Her first solo exhibition was titled Reflection of Life.
Kasthamandap Artists Group
Formation: In 1994, under Prashant Shrestha's leadership, Tamrakar helped establish the Kasthamandap Artists Group. This collective focused on high-quality painting and hosted exhibitions that garnered critical acclaim.
Impact: The group has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration among artists and elevating the visibility of contemporary Nepali art.
Other Initiatives
E-Arts Nepal: In 2010, she co-founded E-Arts Nepal, an online art gallery aimed at promoting contemporary Nepali art both locally and internationally. This platform has helped connect artists with broader audiences.
Recognition and Awards
Erina Tamrakar has received numerous accolades for her work, including:
National Art Exhibition Prizes in 2000 and 2005.
The Gold Medal from Arniko Yuwa Sewa Kosh in 2008.
The Young Achiever’s Award in 2011 by Today’s Youth Asia.
Various awards recognizing her contributions to the arts from organizations in Nepal and abroad.
International Presence
Her works have been exhibited in over 18 countries, including India, China, the USA, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. This international exposure has helped establish her as a significant figure in global contemporary art.
Impact on Nepali Art
Erina Tamrakar's dedication to exploring themes of femininity and her active role in artist collectives have made her an influential figure in the Nepali art community. Through her exhibitions and initiatives like E-Arts Nepal, she continues to inspire new generations of artists while advocating for the representation of women's experiences in art. Her passion for creation remains strong as she expresses a desire to continue making art throughout her life.