Jigmi Wangdi

Bhutanese artist, Asha Kama Wangdi, unveiled his solo exhibition entitled “Sacred Presence” at the De Ming Gallery in the prestigious Dr. Sun Yat Sen National Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan, on April 30.

The exhibition showcased the artist’s latest works, featuring mandalas, the Buddha, and sacred dances, painted in Asha Kama’s unique yet recognisable style and vivid palette, with a focus on spiritual awareness and transcendence.

Bhutanese contemporary art has had moments on the international stage, with exhibitions of several artists held in Europe since October last year, including Brussels, and increased interest from galleries across the world for Bhutanese art.

Director of TANSBAO Gallery, Jill Lu, which regularly promotes Bhutanese art, stated that they have been preparing for two years for Asha’s second solo exhibition in Taiwan.

“We are very happy that this exhibition has received a lot of attention and love from many important collectors,” Jill Lu said.

She added that TANSBAO Gallery would continue to work with artists like Asha Kama to plan overseas exhibitions and support emerging artists in Bhutan.

Asha Kama received 10 years of formal training in Thangka painting and later went to Kent College of Art and Design, Maidstone, England. He founded VAST Bhutan in Thimphu in 1998 as a place to teach art, cultivate new artists, and promote contemporary art education.

Asha has had a significant impact not only in the promotion of Bhutan’s contemporary art but also in the lives of hundreds of youths. In 2010, he was awarded the National Order of Merit (Gold).

The exhibition at the De Ming Gallery is a testimony to Asha Kama’s talent and his contribution to contemporary art, which has received recognition globally.