Introducing the Young Resident Artists for Bikalpa Art Foundation’s Annual International AIR Program 2025
Bikalpa International Annual Residency Program for Young Artists 2025
Bikalpa Art Foundation (BAF)is thrilled to introduce the selected artists for the “Annual International Residency Program for Young Artists” planned for April 5, – May 17, 2025. Bikalpa has long been a catalyst for creative exploration, fostering emerging artistic talents from across the globe. Since its inception in 2013, Bikalpa has hosted over 50 artists from 15 different countries, creating a vibrant art platform for cultural artistic exchange and artistic innovation.
After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and space constraints, BAF is proud to resume its International Artists in Residence (AIR) Program, welcoming a new cohort of visionary artists, each of whom brings a distinct creative practice and unique perspective to the program. This year, the residency will take place at the newly established art space – Bikalpa Art House in Chovar, Kritipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
As we approach the start of the International AIR Program 2025, we invite art enthusiasts, collectors, and the creative community to keep an eye out for the works and projects of our resident artists. Their diverse artistic voices promise to bring new perspectives, dialogues, and innovative creations to Nepal’s cultural landscape.
Meet the Resident Artists
Annabelle Keyes (UK)
“I seek to reveal the imperfect symmetry that reverberates throughout the forms in the physical plane, often manifesting in my work alongside examples of metaphysical dualities such as nostalgia and utopia, grief and belief, local and remote, past and future.”
Annabelle Keyes is a multidisciplinary artist from the South Coast of the UK, now based in London. She graduated in 2024 with a BA in Fine Art (First-Class Honours) and has since developed a practice that blends research, site-specific work, and contemporary art theory. Her work focuses on ecofeminism, mythology, mysticism, and dialectics, exploring the relationship between people, places, and nature. Through sculpture, found object assemblages, photography, video, and painting, she creates immersive installations that reflect themes of spirituality, history, and ecology. She is particularly interested in how contrasts—such as nostalgia and utopia or past and future—can coexist harmoniously.
Keyes’ creative process is heavily influenced by first-hand research and fieldwork, which she considers an emotional and intellectual journey. Her pieces often reinterpret historical, cultural, and philosophical narratives, offering fresh perspectives on our connection to the world around us.
In recognition of her work, she has been featured in A-N The Artist’s Information Company, Insights of an Eco Artist, and Haus A Rest, Art and Science. She also participated in the 2024 AUBSU Summer Residency Programme.
With expertise in painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media, Annabelle Keyes continues to push creative boundaries, expressing the intricate interplay between nature, memory, and human experience.
Vannie Aurin Pavelski da Gama (Brazil)
“Exploring the intersection of art, nature, technology, and society through an interdisciplinary lens.”
Vannie Gama (Vannie Aurin Pavelski da Gama) is a Brazilian interdisciplinary artist and theorist, born in São Paulo in 1997. Their work explores the relationship between art, nature, technology, and society, integrating themes of queer theory, environmental history, and contemporary geopolitics. Specializing in painting, multimedia installations, and writing, Gama is deeply influenced by Dada, Symbolism, and Modern literature.
They hold a BA in Visual Arts (Honors) from UNESP (2015-2020) and a Master’s in Human and Social Sciences from UNICAMP (2022-2024). Their research includes an ecosystemic interpretation of technology, the role of digital and contemporary art in Brazilian democracy, and the creation of the Organic Manifesto.
Gama is the founder of VYSlab (2019), an interdisciplinary studio focused on contemporary art, scientific communication, and socio-technological research. Their works have been featured in major exhibitions, including the VI International Nude Art Biennial (Montenegro, 2024) and The Fox Yard Gallery (UK, 2024). They have also collaborated with musicians in the Syntropy States Art Project (2021-2024) and are currently an artist-in-residence at The Looking Glass program in Paris (2024-2025).
Their artistic practice includes expanded painting, kinetic artworks, and sound-image installations, often drawing from scientific and philosophical research. Since 2017, Gama’s work has been featured in Tableau Artes e Leilões, making them one of the youngest artists to participate in Brazilian art auctions.
Notable projects include New Flanerie (2022), Iridophores (2023), and Dentro do Quarto Estado (2024). They are also the author of Le Cultiver des Images (2022), a book examining creativity during the pandemic through the lens of art, politics, human rights, and ecology.
Vicky Hathway (UK)
“Body connected with land, land as one harmonious unit.”
Vicky Hathway is a British feminist artist, based between Cornwall and London. She is currently pursuing a BA in Illustration and Animation at Kingston School of Art, with an expected completion in 2026. Taking a year-long break from her studies, she is dedicating this time to collaborating with local artists and experimenting with silversmithing to further develop her artistic practice.
Her work explores the spiritual connection between the body and nature, depicted through a fantastical and imaginative lens. The divine feminine is a recurring motif in her art, represented through mythical figures such as double-tailed mermaids and breasted trees. Her use of bold, vibrant colors and raw, textured mark-making gives her work an etched, dreamlike quality.
Deeply inspired by folklore and mythology, Hathway reinterprets ancient traditions in a modern context, drawing from the prehistoric heritage and landscapes of Celtic Cornwall. Storytelling is a fundamental aspect of her creative process, allowing her to weave myths and legends into her work, illustrating the interwoven relationship between the human form and the natural world.
Through her exploration of folklore and the divine feminine, Hathway invites audiences to engage with her art in a meaningful and narrative-driven way, fostering a deeper connection to both history and nature.
Ongoing Flexible Residency for All
Alongside the AIR Program, Bikalpa Art Foundation offers the Flexible Fee-Based Residency Program for All, providing artists of all backgrounds and age group with the opportunity to pursue their creative passions year-round. This residency model allows for greater independence and flexibility, catering to a wider artistic community while generating revenue to support BAF’s artistic initiatives. More details about this program can be found on the page HERE.
Stay tuned for more updates as we showcase the artists’ work in the coming weeks. Follow Bikalpa Art Foundation on social media for quick insights into their creative journeys and the transformative power of contemporary art.
Post Residency Update:
Research, Orientation & Cultural Immersion
The BAF AIR 2025 program officially began with the arrival of our resident artists, Annabelle Keyes and Vicky Hathway, at Bikalpa Art House, Chovar on Saturday, April 5. During the first week of the residency, from April 6 to 12, the initial gathering was warm and welcoming, giving the artists an opportunity to meet the Bikalpa team and settle into their new creative environment. We hosted a portfolio presentation session, where the resident artists. This session served as a platform for sharing past works, inspirations, and local stories, fostering meaningful dialogue and setting the tone for collaborative exchange. Throughout the week, the focus remained on research and exploration. The artists visited local sites, began gathering materials, and engaged with members of the community, gradually immersing themselves in the cultural and natural landscape of the area. To close the week, we hosted an informal musical evening on April 11 at Bikalpa Art Café, where music, conversation, and food brought everyone together in a relaxed, social setting. This gathering helped strengthen the sense of community and set a vibrant, collaborative tone for the weeks ahead.
Studio Exploration & Inspirational Visits
In the second week of the residency, from April 13 to 19, our artists delved deeper into studio experimentation while continuing with material collection and local research. The week was enriched by a series of inspiring visits and cultural exchanges. One highlight was a visit to Simrik Atelier, the studio of renowned Pauba artist Lok Chitrakar, where artists gained firsthand insight into traditional Nepali painting techniques. The group also visited Gallery Mcube to view a compelling solo exhibition by Suman Rai, offering a valuable perspective on contemporary Nepali art. The week concluded with a second round of studio visits on April 20, where local artists Prithvi Shrestha and Saurganga Darshandhari generously opened their creative spaces. These interactions fostered meaningful dialogue and highlighted the importance of connecting with local practices that align with the residents’ evolving work.
Process Sharing & Public Engagement – AIR Midway Presentation
In the third week of the residency, between April 20 and 26, the emphasis shifted to community engagement and thoughtful reflection. On April 26, we hosted an Artist Talk: Midway Air Presentation at Bikalpa Art House, inviting members of the local creative community to hear from our resident artists about their ongoing work. The event provided a behind-the-scenes look at their concepts, materials, and artistic processes, sparking open conversations and meaningful connections. The artists also continued developing their artworks throughout the week, refining their ideas as the residency moved toward its final phase. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined and helped create a warm, supportive environment for this shared moment of creative dialogue.
Open Studio-Exhibition
During the weeks of April 27 to May 10, which marked the fourth and fifth weeks of the residency, the focus shifted to studio production, creative experimentation, and preparations for the AIR 2025 Open Studio Exhibition. Rather than emphasizing polished final pieces, the residency encouraged exploration and risk-taking. Resident artists applied what they had learned throughout their time in Nepal to produce thoughtful, process-based work. In collaboration with the Bikalpa team, they also prepared the space, curated their artworks, and promoted the exhibition. The program culminated in the Open Studio Exhibition, which opened on May 10 at Bikalpa Art House. The gallery welcomed a diverse audience and presented artworks inspired by Nepal's rich folklore, elemental symbolism, and mythological creatures, reinterpreted through contemporary perspectives.
Closing Reflections & Final Presentations
As the residency entered its final stretch during the week of May 11 to 18, our artists took time to relax, explore more of Nepal, and prepare for their final presentation. On May 18, Bikalpa Art Foundation hosted the Artist Talk – Residency Reflections at the Central Department of Fine Arts, Tribhuvan University. This concluding session offered a comprehensive reflection on the creative journey, challenges, and insights gained during the program. Open to students, artists, and the wider art-loving community, it was a fitting finale to the residency, celebrating learning, growth, and international artistic exchange. With this event, we officially concluded the BAF AIR 2025 Residency Program.
Note: We regret to share that selected artist Vannie Gama (Vannie Aurin Pavelski da Gama) was not able to join the BAF Artist-in-Residence Program 2025 as originally planned due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts related to their international relocation and travel process.