Bhutanese artist Pema Tshering on visualising Buddhist philosophy

Much of your recent work draws from Bardo teachings. What prompted you to explore the text visually?

As a spiritual practitioner and an artist, I have huge respect for monks, nuns and people who dedicate their lives to dharma. For a person like me, living in a spiritual place like Bhutan, it is very normal to see this kind of sacrifice that people make to understand the true meaning of existence. We also hear stories of great mahasiddhas who were actually artists and craftsmen and women who dedicated their lives to a craft and became enlightened through their dedication. I feel all these things have influenced or directed me to this practice of visualisation of Buddhist philosophy and teachings. I wanted to understand the core essence of Buddhism and its practices. I found this harmony and connection between art, spirituality and Buddhism, which is so personal and from which I could try to understand the wisdom behind the teachings of Buddhism.

Do you think your text, in some ways, is a bridge between traditional Buddhist philosophy and contemporary global audiences?

I never intended my work to be a bridge between traditional Buddhist philosophy and contemporary global audiences, but it so happened unintentionally and naturally, for which I am quite happy.

Life’s Illusion, Acrylic on Canvas, 4 x 4 ft

You often use thangka-inspired formats but alter the forms. If you could tell us a little about your process?

My purpose of using a thangka-inspired format or form came because, firstly, I really like the form and have grown up with it. Secondly, I wanted to use this form beyond its visual component. I feel that in this day and age, sometimes, we just use a particular form for its beauty but may ignore or disregard the need to explore the essence behind the form or design. It so happened that the essence of the thangka format fit really well with what I have in mind for this exhibition and I felt that this would be a way to celebrate, redefine and explore the essence of the format.

The essence being that, actually, thangkas are supposed to be the gateway to the “pureland”(dewachen) — the land of the Buddha or enlightened beings. I tried to use this concept to, in a way, open the gateway and bring the illusory nature of dreams outwards; both using the format and sticking to its essence.

You are self-taught. If you could share how your journey as an artist began and the role Buddhism play in shaping your practice?

My journey as an artist began with the establishment of VAST-Bhutan, which was founded in 1998 by a group of artists. I started as a founding member and a student and since then, never stopped learning and creating. Even if I didn’t have a formal art education, I have had wonderful mentors and teachers shaping me to become an artist. I am still part of VAST-Bhutan, where I now contribute as part of an executive member and help guide young artists.

Being born and raised in Bhutan, for us, Buddhism is not just a religion, but a way of life. I have always been inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the essence of spirituality and that’s where my work comes from.

Samsara, Acrylic on Canvas, 2.7 X 4.2 ft

You’ve exhibited at the Rubin Museum in New York and in Taipei. Do you think the international audiences read your work differently as compared to Bhutanese viewers?

As an artist, I feel art is subjective. Even so, whether it’s an international or Bhutanese audience, I feel that they all have a little difficulty understanding my work, which may be it is because this kind of work has not been done before, or they are not familiar with this kind of expression. But as they say in Buddhism, what matters most is your aspirations and intentions. I hope to learn the wisdom of the Buddhist teachings from my work, which is first and foremost for myself, and then I hope that the audience can also learn something with me and through my paintings. For me, that matters.

In future, do you envision your practice moving deeper into Buddhist philosophy or taking new directions?

I would love to do more work on Buddhist philosophy and I know I will continue doing so. I just hope that it won’t stop me from exploring other ideas. I would like to keep an open mind and always find new directions.