In a quiet corner of Thimphu, a new art gallery is telling a story that began decades ago with two curious children, a pencil, and the blank spaces of their family home.
Twin brothers Tashi Dendup and Ugyen Samdrup have transformed their lifelong passion for art into a new creative landmark with the opening of Twinz Art Gallery, a space dedicated to showcasing their distinctive style that blends Bhutanese tradition with contemporary artistic expression.
The gallery was officially inaugurated on Saturday by Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, marking an important moment not only for the artists themselves but also for Bhutan’s growing contemporary art community.
Walking into the gallery, visitors are greeted by an immersive display of colour and symbolism. The walls are filled with paintings depicting mythical warriors, spiritual guardians and ancient Bhutanese motifs rendered in bold strokes and intricate patterns. Each artwork reflects elements of Himalayan spirituality, mythology and imagination, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where tradition and creativity merge seamlessly.
For the twin artists, however, the gallery represents far more than an exhibition space. It is the culmination of a journey that began in their early childhood.
“We were interested in art since we were five or six years old,” said Tashi Dendup, recalling their earliest experiences with drawing. “We used to draw on walls, copy pictures from magazines, and even paint portraits of our family members.”
Their shared curiosity gradually developed into a serious pursuit. Both brothers later travelled to India to study fine arts, earning Bachelor’s degrees and refining the skills they had nurtured since childhood.
Over the years, their work has gained recognition beyond Bhutan’s borders. The twins have participated in two international group exhibitions and organised three solo exhibitions, steadily building a reputation for their unique artistic approach that merges Bhutanese cultural symbols with modern visual storytelling.
Despite this growing recognition, their work was previously displayed in a modest studio space where they met visitors and art enthusiasts.
“Until now, we used to entertain art lovers in our small studio room,” said Ugyen Samdrup. “We felt the need for a bigger and more professional space where visitors could properly experience our work.”
That vision has now materialised in the form of Twinz Art Gallery.
The new space provides a platform not only for their paintings but also for the ideas and inspirations that have shaped their artistic journey over the years. Each canvas displayed in the gallery carries echoes of their shared path—from childhood sketches drawn out of curiosity to works that have travelled to international exhibitions.
For Tashi and Ugyen, the gallery is another step forward in a journey they have always taken together.
Through Twinz Art Gallery, the brothers hope to share their artistic vision with a wider audience and contribute to Bhutan’s evolving cultural landscape, inviting visitors to explore stories told through colour, symbolism and imagination.
