Digital protection for Nepal’s art

The newly-formed Himalayan Art Council is set to launch Nepal’s National Art Protection Platform that seeks to preserve Nepal’s unique cultural heritage using AI-powered tools.

The Council seeks to safeguard Nepali art works from neglect, theft and counterfeiting as well as preserve existing artwork and celebrate living masters by giving them a cultural space to continue the sacred art traditions.

‘We are introducing a new digital platform designed to preserve, verify and elevate Nepal’s art for generations to come,” says a statement from the Council, adding that the digital platform will use AI told for authentication and blockchain to keep track of works of art.

Artists can now be protected by AI tools that detect forgeries, identify their work even when unsigned, and ensure they receive proper recognition and credit. The archives will be searchable with translated inscription and interactive guides.

Says curator Meena Lama: “AI and blockchains are tools that give us the power to detect fakes and identify unsigned paintings and track every piece. With these tools we can restore trust, secure authorship and give artists the dignity they deserve.”

The Council is also holding an exhibition of Nepali cultural masterpieces with 50 historical thangka and paubha by past masters and contemporary works by current artists. This curated collection is a living tribute to Himalayan culture with economic depictions of deities, mandala and sacred narratives.

The exhibition at Patan Museum also provides an opportunity to meet painters and custodians of art and culture.

‘The exhibition is only the first step in a long journey to ensure that Nepali art is no just seen but fully understood, protected and remembered,’ the Council says.

Artist Kailash K Shrestha of Artudio has spent decades promoting thankha and paubha traditions because of their beauty and devotional meaning. But he also says artists are underpaid, exploited and ignored.

He adds, “AI and blockchain are not just buzzwords, they are powerful tools that can protect Nepal’s artists from fraud, verify authenticity and build a permanent record of provenance.”

Traditional Art Exhibition

Till 17 May

Patan Museum