Art: Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Centre in Thimphu yesterday opened a solo exhibition by Dorji Gyeltshen to encourage aesthetic appreciation for contemporary art and to motivate interest in the creative art among youth.

With a touch of modernity and creative self-expression, Dorji Gyeltshen’s paintings revolve around traditional themes. One will, in few glimpses at the paintings, appreciate the intricate details that went into the 45 paintings being displayed at the centre.

Dorji Gyeltshen said: “I use artistic expression to explore the infinite depths of my soul and the soul of the world.”

I embrace and examine every memory my soul has collected as I live through joy and sorrow, courage and fear, strength and weakness, love, pain, life and death, he said. “These are the fundamental values that characterise all human existence. The details of these experiences are the subject in my artworks.”

Dorji Gyeltshen has been a member of the Voluntary Artists’ Studio in Thimphu (VAST) since 1998.

“VAST has guided me in my artistic explorations and art has become my life,” Dorji Gyeltshen said. “Being one of the many torchbearers of contemporary art in the country, I want to help and support youth and upcoming artists through such exhibitions.”

Kinley T Wangchuk, director general of Department of Information and Media (DoIM), said contemporary art, although a new concept in the country, is fast gaining momentum.

“Young artists such as Dorji Gyeltshen are exploring new grounds and unfurling new canvas of arts, Kinley T Wangchuk said. “Arts such as paintings, books, music, films and drama – add colour and lustre to our lives but, more importantly, help in defining and affirming our cultural and national identity as a distinct nation.”

Public Communications and Contemporary Arts Division with DoIM has been working with writers, actors, entertainers and artists to further stimulate their creative works of expression and to enhance greater appreciation of such works, Kinley T Wangchuk said. “We believe that such creative work of art will enrich our cultural heritage and contribute to the quality of life and well-being of our citizens.”

Since 2011, the department has conducted two trainings on contemporary arts for about 60 participants with experts from overseas.

The exhibition will be opened till May 4.

Thinley Zangmo