An art exhibition showcasing paintings made using paint extracted from minerals and plants has been opened at the Royal Textile Academy in Thimphu. Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck graced the opening today. The exhibition has on display about 30 paintings all made from natural paint.
The two artists whose works are on display are Penjor Dorji and Rinzin Dorji.
Penjor Dorji founded the Green Pigment Arts and creates artworks using paint extracted only from plants. He says he has been doing this since 2017. He recently went to Belgium to display his works in an art exhibition. He says exhibitions like this not only help promote their work but also inspire aspiring artists.
“We are not just here to sell paintings and make a name for ourselves. We are using this platform to show upcoming aspiring artists that they can keep following their dreams. We want to guide and help them,” said Penjor.
Rinzin Dorji, the founder of the Zilpa Mineral Pigment painting, has been painting using rock extracts for the past six years. He says making a living as an artist and getting the materials are difficult. But he says there is potential for the profession in the country to grow.
“If we use natural canvas and organic paints made from natural pigments found, it can be considered hundred per cent Bhutan-made. That would help market our products and even generate huge profits,” said Rinzin.
The event organizers said such exhibitions are organized every year to support and encourage local artisans and their work.
“By holding such exhibitions the Royal Textile Academy aims to support, encourage and provide platforms for artists and various arts of Bhutan,” said Karma Deki Tshering, the Senior Curator at the Royal Textile Academy. “We hold at least two exhibitions annually and we try and include all the different arts and not just textiles.”
The art exhibition will be open to the public from tomorrow and will go on until 3rd February next year.
Karma Samten Wangda/Namgay Dem
Edited by Sonam
