From 26–28 October, Hong Kong-based contemporary Chinese artist Zhao Zhijing is holding an exhibition of his “Steed” artworks (a series of equine-themed paintings) in Thimphu. The exhibit, “Auspicious Light on the Snowland,” is being held in the main hall of Dolma Lhakang, one of the monasteries managed by the Central Monastic Body. The exhibit is produced by Jing Art Gallery.
The first of its kind, this exhibit showcased contemporary Chinese art in a modern curatorial format thanks to a square, freestanding exhibition wall that presented Master Zhao’s art in a spectacular and engaging manner.
The opening was graciously attended by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Tsering Pem Wangchuck, Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, and Kalu Rinpoche. The honored guests were also joined by Dasho Kesang Wangdi, Deputy Chairperson of the Privy Council, His Excellence Lungten Dorji the Home Minister, and His Eminence Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister of Health. Other senior government ministers, members of parliament, and officials were in attendance. The delegation of Hong Kong took Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness around the exhibition wall, showing the members of the royal family and the government entourage the distinctive artwork of Master Zhao.
The exhibit also falls on the auspicious year of the Fire Horse, with the exhibition wall configured like that of a circumambulatory structure, with each step gathering auspicious energy unique to this rare Horse Year convergence.
Master Zhao is a veteran and respected artist of contemporary Chinese art who has earned high acclaim among scholars and contemporary practitioners across East Asia. He is Chairman of the Visual Arts Group Committee of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Executive Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Artists Association, and Chairman of the China International Ink Painting Society.
The equine theme shines through many of Master Zhao’s displayed paintings at this exhibit, with his energetic galloping and prancing steeds embodying the forces of good fortune, prosperity, and elemental vitality.
This exhibit is a milestone marking not only Zhao’s first exhibit in the Himalayan kingdom, but also the first cultural and artistic exchange between Hong Kong and Bhutan. It also marks the beginning of a three-year partnership agreement to promote Bhutan-Hong Kong artistic exchange between the Central Monastic Body and two newly appointed Overseas Goodwill Ambassadors of Shambhala Dzong, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). After the opening on the 26th, the partnership agreement was signed between His Eminence Leytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji and the two ambassadors, BDG Himalayan Correspondent Rebecca Wong and education specialist Lucy Lo.
“Auspicious Light on the Snowland” is complemented by innovative artistic adaptations by the Central Monastic Body’s artists, especially Lopen Kezang Tshering and Lopen Sangay Tenzin. Adjacent to the main exhibition wall in the main hall, an adjacent room showcases artworks that highlighting the mystical and cosmic power of Shambhala and the Kalachakra Tantra, aligning artistic expression with Shambhala Dzong in GMC. Shambhala Dzong, which is also chaired by HE Leytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji, will serve as the center of Vajrayana in the new GMC.
As part of its emphasis on cultural exchange and heritage, the exhibit’s showcasing of the dynamic adaptability of the Central Monastic Body’s artists highlights Bhutan’s spiritual contributions to global harmony through His Majesty the 5th King’s vision of GMC.
Taken together, Master Zhao’s artworks and the contributions of the monks serve as a cultural catalyst for global peace, environmental reverence, and spiritual harmony. It is also hoped that “Auspicious Light on the Snowland” will inspire artists in both Bhutan and Hong Kong to be inspired by each other’s work, and to explore aesthetic possibilities and dialogues between local traditions and different techniques of creating art.
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Auspicious Light on the Snow Land: An Art Exhibition on Peace and Spiritual Harmony (Facebook)
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