Renowned Bhutanese thangka artist Kinzang Chojay, 38, unveiled his highly anticipated solo exhibition yesterday at the prestigious Buddhist Art Gallery in Kawajangsa, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious two-decade-long career.
Kinzang Chojay’s deep-rooted passion for traditional Buddhist art was ignited at the tender age of 16 when he joined the Institute of Zorig Chusum, Bhutan’s foremost institution for traditional arts. Under the mentorship of esteemed teacher Lopen Thinley Wangdi and alongside his brother Kinzang Wangdi, Chojay mastered the intricate and sacred techniques of thangka painting, a practice that intertwines spiritual devotion with meticulous craftsmanship.
Over the past 22 years, Chojay has crafted hundreds of thangkas adorning temples and monasteries throughout Bhutan, each piece a testament to his dedication and skill. This exhibition, his first solo showcase, features an extensive collection of his works created using age-old materials. The thangkas display vibrant mineral pigments derived from natural earth colors—orange, white, red, black, and blue—as well as rock indigo, vermillion, and 24-carat gold, emphasizing his commitment to eco-friendly practices and cultural authenticity.
The inauguration of the exhibition was graced by Laytshog Lopen, who lauded Chojay’s unwavering dedication to preserving Bhutanese artistic traditions. Opposition Leader Dasho Pema Chewang and key sponsors from Singapore, who have been instrumental in supporting his artistic journey, also attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the event’s significance within the artistic and broader community.
“This is my first solo exhibition, and it holds great importance as it reflects our Bhutanese art tradition and culture,” Chojay remarked during the opening. “Today, many artists are moving towards commercializing their work and adopting easier methods, forgetting the ancient techniques that make thangka painting unique. What makes our art special is the use of eco-friendly, natural pigments, which infuse the paintings with a deeper connection to the environment and spirituality.”
Chojay’s dedication to traditional methods has not only preserved the sanctity of thangka art but also elevated its spiritual and cultural resonance. Laytshog Lopen praised his efforts, highlighting how Chojay has maintained the integrity of thangka painting techniques passed down through generations, ensuring their survival in a rapidly modernizing world.
The exhibition, which will run until January 30, 2025, is a celebration of Chojay’s artistic achievements and the rich cultural heritage embodied in Bhutan’s thangka tradition. Visitors to the Buddhist Art Gallery can expect to experience a profound connection to Bhutanese spirituality and artistry through Chojay’s meticulously crafted works.
In addition to his visual artistry, Kinzang Chojay is also the author of the acclaimed book The Art of Enlightenment, further cementing his role as a pivotal figure in Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
As Bhutan continues to navigate the balance between tradition and modernity, artists like Kinzang Chojay play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the nation’s rich artistic legacy for future generations.
