The teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism and the culture of Bhutan are the inspiration behind vibrant artworks on show during "Bliss" at RCB Photographers' Gallery 1 of River City Bangkok, Charoen Krung 24, until Sept 3.
Artwork by Tashi Dendup and Ugyen Samdrup. photos courtesy of River City Bangkok
This is a Bangkok debut exhibition by contemporary Bhutanese artists Tashi Dendup and Ugyen Samdrup. Known as Twinz, they are identical twins who have similar thought processes and often paint on the same canvas.
Their works reflect Mahasukha, a Sanskrit term referring to immortal pleasure or supreme bliss. It is the highest state of Buddhist perfection that transcends the realm of being and the changing world, a state of mind that is free from rational thinking and social customs and rituals.
Both the tangible and intangible culture of Bhutan also inspires their works in this show. As reflected through traditional paintings, sculptures, textiles and temples, the knowledge, wisdom, practice and oral transmission of Buddhism are tools for the exploration of consciousness.
Artwork by Tashi Dendup and Ugyen Samdrup. River City Bangkok
Influenced by Renaissance painting and contemporary Western art, the artists combine traditional icons and symbols with realistic or semi-realistic portraits in bold colours and free-style patterns to explore concepts such as non-duality, consciousness and compassion.
The human figures depicted in the selection of portraits are symbols of the innate warrior spirit that all human beings possess. By recognising the warrior spirit -- which is cultivated through the basic goodness of the awakened mind -- all can become warriors in the battle against both inner and outer obstacles.
All of the portraits are works of imagination, and most of them feature women, who represent wisdom and energy and embody humanity and divinity in feminine form.
The concept of bliss here is not inherently extraordinary or supernatural. It simply hones the ordinary mind into a reflection of the basic goodness of human life and this enables us to radiate bliss and sanity out into the world.
There is no admission fee. Visit rivercitybangkok.com or call 02-237-0077/8.
