Darshan Tamang

Authentic Thangka Paintings From Northern Nepal

Thangka or pauva paintings are not only an exquisite form of art from the Himalaya region, but they are also teaching tools of Buddhist philosophy and the principles embodied by Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Rimpoches, and other deities. Darshan Tamang first began drawing at the age of seven, while living in a monastery in Rasuwa, Nepal, his commitment to both visual aesthetics and Buddhism would lead him to complete a Masters of Art in Buddhist Philosophy from the Lekshey Ling Institute. His thangka paintings are vivid interpretations of the Buddhist philosophies in the Vajrayan tradition.

Traditional thangka paintings are done on cotton cloth stretched across a wooden frame. A mix of glue and white clay is painted across the fabric until the canvas is smooth. Then the artist etches out their sketch before applying water based color, and, occasionally, gold and silver dust. Thangka paintings are typically done in five basic colors; red, blue, yellow, black, and white. As thangka paintings have gained popularity, the market has been infiltrated by screen printed thangkas. Darshan’s practice is truly traditional, not only in his painting technique and use of silk and cotton fabrics, but in his authentic knowledge of Buddhist philosophy.