The Royal Textile Academy in Thimphu has opened two exhibitions, Beyond the Weave and Yabsay, showcasing contemporary interpretations of Bhutanese textile traditions and the life and legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck graced the opening ceremony.
Beyond the Weave features the work of textile designer and artist Sangay Choden, who explores how traditional Bhutanese textile techniques can be adapted for contemporary design.
With almost two decades of experience in the field, she uses weaving, felting and hand stitching to experiment with new forms of textile art while drawing on skills and knowledge passed down through generations.
Beyond her individual creations, Sangay Choden hopes to bring designers and weavers together to create opportunities for Bhutanese creativity to reach international markets.
“I think creativity is something everyone can embrace, and there are no limitations to it. Going into the international market is also one of my goals. I hope we can inspire one another and create a good platform where designers and weavers can come together,” she said.
Meanwhile, Yabsay presents paintings by students and the art teacher of Druk School, interpreting the life and legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo through their individual interests and perspectives.
The exhibition brings together different artistic styles under one theme, allowing students to express their understanding of His Majesty through their work.
Chorten Norbu, Art Teacher at Druk School, said he guided the students to create paintings based on their interests and how they view His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
“I guided the students to create these paintings based on their interests and how they view His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Everyone has different skills and ways of expressing themselves. For now, this is how the students and I can pay our tribute to His Majesty through art. There are many ways to present paintings, but today, we have brought them together under one theme,” he said.
The exhibitions will remain open to the public at the Royal Textile Academy until the 30th of next month.
The Royal Textile Academy and the Textile Museum under the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development provided financial support for the exhibitions.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sonam Pem
