Kathmandu- A major exhibition on feminism by South Asian women artists has begun in Kathmandu.

Titled Feminist Futures: Art, Activism, and South Asian Womanhood, the exhibition explores the complex aspects of feminism, art, and activism in South Asia. The exhibition has been curated by Dr. Arshiya Lokhandwala.

Organized by Taragaon Next in collaboration with the Saraf Foundation, the exhibition is being held at the Taragaon Cultural Center in Boudha, Kathmandu, and will last for three months. The exhibition features the works of ten South Asian women artists.

Dr. Lokhandwala explains that the exhibition addresses issues such as patriarchal structures, traditional mindsets, and gender politics.

The exhibition showcases works from four artists from India, three from Nepal, and one each from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

The Indian artists include Anita Dube, Mithu Sen, Sheba Chhachhi, and Pushpamala N, while the Nepali artists are Ashmina Ranjit, Bidhata KC, and Uma Bista. Sri Lanka is represented by Anoli Perera, Pakistan by Naiza Khan, and Bangladesh by Tayeba Begum Lipi.

All the artists aim to challenge traditional gender roles through their works, shedding light on female autonomy and the impact of social structures.

Namita Saraf, founding director of the Saraf Foundation and Taragaon Next, mentioned that the exhibition not only highlights issues related to women's rights in Nepal but also connects them to broader struggles for women's rights across South Asia.

The exhibition seeks to analyze the deep and complex structures of South Asian society, along with a focus on the respect and oppression of women. Through sculptures, photography, installations, video art, and performances, the artists aim to highlight the stories of women's lives.

On the first day of the exhibition, Ashmina Ranjit's Sita! The Ideal Wife? 2025 was presented. The performance aimed to highlight how women have been constrained by patriarchal Brahmanical traditions. Ranjit criticized the Kanyadan practice in Hindu marriages, which she believes strips women of their rights and freedom.

Activist and writer Sarita Pariyar, who participated in the exhibition, shared that understanding caste is essential to understanding gender.

The exhibition also features works exploring contemporary issues. Pushpamala N’s Avega – The Passion 2012 challenges traditional portrayals of female characters in the Ramayana, focusing on their strength.

Tayeba Begum Lipi's work delves into the complexities and violent tendencies surrounding marriage, while Uma Bista critiques the Chaupadi tradition and highlights the struggles of Nepali women.

The exhibition tickets are priced at 200 for students and 300 for general visitors.