The Art and Practice of Thangka Painting

The Buddhist charity Sang-ngak-chö-dzong invites you to a very special event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its formal establishment in 1993. So much has been accomplished since then, and this day of activities, talks and presentations gives us an opportunity to celebrate some of those accomplishments with you and to look forward to the future of the Aro gTér lineage in the UK and beyond.

As a part of the general programme of this jubilee, Ngakma Déwang Pamo will be offering a talk about "The Art and Practice of Thangka Painting".

Thangka painting is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist art form – and a spiritual practice. By drawing and painting visionary beings and symbols, thangka painters provide a source of inspiration as well as a visual representation of a practice method. The scroll paintings are based on highly specific symbolism and iconography, as well as on the respective painter’s experiential understanding of what is depicted.

In her talk, Ngakma Déwang Pamo will give a brief overview of the history and principles of thangka painting, and offer a glimpse into a thangka painter’s actual work. After her presentation, participants who are interested will be able to have a go at some basic drawing exercises.