‘Renowned Masters’ Exquisite Thangka Art Exhibition’ opens at Huangnan Prefecture Ethnic Museum

On 23rd May 2024, the Renowned Masters’ Exquisite Thangka Art – Gendun Choephel and Amdo Jampa Art Exhibition was inaugurated at the Huangnan Prefecture Ethnic Museum. This exhibition is organised jointly by the Rebgong Cultural Ecological Protection and Management Committee and the Huangnan Prefecture Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Broadcasting Bureau, under the guidance of Art Exhibitions China and the China Arts and Crafts Association. Distinguished guests, including Mr Sun Xiaobing, Deputy Director of Art Exhibitions China; Mr Hu Shuangqing, Deputy Secretary-General of the Huangnan Prefecture People’s Government; and Mr Dorje Lengzhi, Director of the Huangnan Prefecture Ethnic Museum, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Mr Sanjieka, Deputy Director of the Rebgong Cultural Ecological Protection and Management Committee, read a congratulatory letter from the China Arts and Crafts Association, while Mr Ruan Yuancheng, Deputy Director of the Huangnan Prefecture Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Broadcasting Bureau, presided over the event.

In his speech, Mr Sun Xiaobing remarked that Gendun Choephel and Amdo Jampa hold significant positions in the history of modern Tibetan painting. Their distinct artistic achievements, bold and innovative ideas, and sincere dedication to artistic exploration have left an invaluable cultural legacy for those who aspire to advance the cause of ethnic art. The exhibition plays a vital role in preserving and promoting China’s outstanding traditional culture, fostering the exchange of ethnic arts, continuing the Chinese cultural heritage, and reinforcing the sense of unity within the Chinese nation.

Mr Dorje Lengzhi explained that this exhibition is not only a retrospective and tribute to the artistic achievements of Masters Gendun Choephel and Amdo Jampa but also a reflection of their lifelong dedication to exploring and innovating traditional Tibetan art. Moreover, it highlights the invaluable and vivid memories within the long history of Tibetan painting, demonstrating the enduring legacy of their unique artistic styles. Through this exhibition, we hope to raise awareness and appreciation of the works of Masters Gendun Choephel and Amdo Jampa, further promoting the dissemination and development of Rebgong art both domestically and internationally.

Thangka, a significant aspect of Rebgong art, is a distinctive form of Tibetan Buddhist painting. It symbolises Buddhist faith and represents the promotion of China’s outstanding traditional culture and the preservation of diverse ethnic cultures. The exhibition is divided into three sections: ‘Cultural Pioneers’, ‘Masters of Their Generation’, and ‘Passing on the Torch’. It showcases the artworks of Masters Gendun Choephel and Amdo Jampa, along with those of their successors. The exhibition not only highlights the innovation, development, and transmission of Thangka art but also presents the exquisite craftsmanship and unique aesthetics of Rebgong Thangka art, as well as its rich history and diverse cultural background.

The exhibition will run until 23rd June 2024.

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