Orgyan Chopel, a Living Buddha, gives the sacred art of thangka a modern look by using symbols. (Photo provided to China Daily)
"Traditional thangka is very comprehensive. It includes not only Buddhism, but also medical science, astronomy and math. People have to learn a lot before they are able to appreciate a traditional piece," says Chopel.
He says simplifying traditional thangka paintings into symbols is "a development of the old art for a contemporary art world".
All the materials and techniques in Chopel's works are those used in traditional thangka paintings, but his works are contemporary.
Wang Chunchen, an art professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, says that research into thangka art was neglected earlier, but it has attracted many scholars, collectors and museums since 2000.
"Chopel is one of those artists who has given a new life to traditional thangka paintings. He translates obscure Buddhism into simplified patterns and makes it more accessible," says Wang.
If you go
11 am-6 pm, through Aug 20. Yilian Art Center, No 2 Xibahe Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing.
