Curatorial Note

In The Tathagata: Buddha and His Bodhisattvas, the viewer is invited into a realm of deep spiritual reflection, where the ancient art of Bhutanese thangkas finds a new voice through the mastery of Zeiko. Known for his ability to merge centuries-old traditions with modern interpretations, Zeiko's works showcase the many forms of the Buddha, the compassionate goddess Tara, and Guru Rinpoche, the revered figure who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Each thangka, painstakingly rendered, balances between the ethereal and the tangible, offering a rare glimpse into both the inner world of contemplation and the outer world of visual beauty.

The exhibition explores a spectrum of color and technique, from the vibrant jewel tones that symbolize enlightenment and transcendence to muted earth tones that evoke groundedness and quietude. The juxtaposition of these color palettes is not simply aesthetic; it is a deliberate expression of the vastness of spiritual experience the radiance of awakening to the serenity of meditative calm.

More than just images, these thangkas are imbued with an energy that transcends their physical forms, becoming conduits for the spiritual power they represent. Each work is intended to impart an aura of peace, protection, or empowerment to the space it inhabits, making them not only objects of art but also vessels of faith and devotion.

The Tathagata: Buddha and His Bodhisattvas is an ode to the rich artistic traditions of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Through intricate embellishments and sacred symbols, this exhibition offers a profound reflection on the transformative power of faith, the nuances of Buddhist iconography, and the timeless beauty of thangka art.