NYAB Event - "The Menris Tradition of Tangka Art: Paintings by the New Generation in Exile" Exhibition

"The Menris Tradition of Tangka Art: Paintings by the New Generation in Exile" Exhibition

Tibet House

This event has ended.

The exhibition is dedicated to a complex medium unique to Tibetan culture, the Menris tradition of tangka art, which flourished and survived in Tibet for centuries until its interruption by the Chinese Communist invasion in 1950. In 1959, the Venerable Sangye Yeshi fled to India where he sustained the tradition in exile at the personal request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, founding The Institute of Tibetan Tangka Art (ITTA) in Dharamsala to ensure a high standard of training for future generations of Menris painters. Ven. Yeshi passed away in 2009. However this long and rich tradition continues through his students at ITTA, whose works are on display in this incredible exhibition. Included on display are works by Tashi Dhargyal, who helped Ven. Yeshi found the ITTA.

The Menris tradition is characterized by clear outlines, strong colors, fine shadings and its accentuations in gold. These days, it is rare to see a collection of contemporary, traditional tangkas, as many galleries concentrate on modern arts coming from artists both in and out of exile. This exhibition is a testament to the artists who continue the traditional art of Tibet.

The history of tangka, or scroll paintings, flourished in Tibet due to the nomadic, religious culture of the region where local rulers would travel and hold court in richly appointed tents. The religious order adopted this practice, and monks in great numbers would carry everything with them to set up complete monasteries. Therefore, the tangka format became popular for its ability to easily transport highly decorative and intricate artworks used for spiritual practices.

In addition to completed tangkas, this exhibition includes a set of unfinished works to illustrate the process of tangka creation.