2. concepts

During my time in Bhutan, I was deeply moved by the profound reverence for nature, where the environment holds center stage, and humans are humbled in its presence. Inspired by this perspective, I envision a series of large landscape paintings, each featuring small but significant human figures, evoking a spiritual essence so palpable in Bhutan. As a dedicated student of Tibetan Buddhism for over 35 years, my recent visit filled me with inspiration, leading to a sketchbook brimming with watercolors of the land and its people. This project aims to capture the sacredness of Bhutan’s landscape and the warmth of its elevated humanity. The number and scale of paintings will be tailored to the exhibition space.

Exhibition Concept #1: “Echoes of a Kingdom: A Tribute to the 4th King of Bhutan”

This exhibition proposal celebrates the visionary leadership and legacy of the 4th King of Bhutan through a series of evocative paintings. Each piece pays tribute to his transformative contributions, depicting the harmony between tradition and modernity that he championed, and highlighting Bhutan’s unique cultural and natural heritage under his reign."

Concept Overview: The exhibition “Echoes of a Kingdom” is an artistic homage to His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th King of Bhutan, whose reign from 1972 to 2006 laid the foundations for a peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious nation. Through a curated collection of paintings, in collaboration with the organizers, this exhibition aims to honor his legacy, highlighting the pivotal moments and transformative policies of his reign, especially his introduction of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a guiding philosophy and its spread around the world, environmental policies, his personal participation and leadership in the two day war - “operation all clear”, modernization of industrial, agriculture and government etc. - here I would look to your expertise and guidance on precisely which moments/ideas to incorporate.

Artistic Focus: The featured paintings will blend modern figurative painting in both realism and symbolism, depicting key elements of Bhutan’s culture, environment, and history that were deeply influenced by the 4th King’s vision:

  1. Portraits of Progress: Soulful portraits capturing His Majesty’s spirit and compassion.

  2. Landscape of Serenity: Bhutan’s pristine environment and protected wilderness, reflecting his environmental stewardship.

  3. Symbols of Happiness: Works inspired by traditional Bhutanese iconography, embodying the GNH principles of spiritual and societal wellbeing.

  4. Cultural Resilience: Artistic representations of Bhutanese cultural heritage that thrived under his leadership.

Purpose & Impact: “Echoes of a Kingdom” is not just an exhibition but an immersive experience, inviting viewers to connect deeply with Bhutan’s journey under the 4th King’s guidance. The exhibition aims to inspire reflection on values of balance, environmental care, and holistic happiness, bringing international audiences closer to Bhutanese culture and the indelible mark of its visionary leader.


Exhibition Concept #2: “In Bhutan, the Land Is the Star”

This body of work seeks to explore a fundamental contrast: in Bhutan, the land and spiritual elements stand as luminous protagonists, embodying the collective reverence and harmony between nature and the sacred. This stands in striking contrast to the Western world, where the individual—both in society and in art—often commands center stage, reflecting our deeply individualistic culture.

Body of Work
The series would comprise 6-8 oil paintings on canvas, capturing the breathtaking, transcendent landscapes of Bhutan. These paintings will emphasize the land’s power and presence, occasionally punctuated with small human figures that blend seamlessly into their surroundings, emphasizing our shared humility in the face of nature’s majesty. Each landscape will echo the spiritual resonance of the Bhutanese relationship with their environment, where sacred sites and untouched nature are revered as one.

Accompanying these are 2-4 oil paintings of still life objects that hold quiet beauty and energy. These pieces will include kitchen and home objects, alongside items used in spiritual practice, all observed with the contemplative care of my still life work. These objects carry stories of everyday life in Bhutan, simple yet suffused with a spirit of devotion and grace. The selection of these still lifes reflects the intimate relationship between the material and the spiritual in Bhutanese culture.

This proposal is designed to immerse viewers in the soul of Bhutan, inviting reflection on how deeply different cultures shape our perception of what is truly central—whether it be the land or the individual.


Exhibition Concept #3: "Elevated Lives: Portraits of Bhutan in Harmony"

This concept celebrates the spirit of the Bhutanese people, honoring their conscious and elevated way of life. Inspired by those I personally encountered and those whose stories I’ve read or heard, the collection captures diverse individuals from all walks of life—farmers nurturing the land, spiritual practitioners in devotion, and leaders shaping a harmonious society. Rather than singular portraits, these figures are depicted in vibrant scenes of action, embodying Bhutan's deep connection to nature, spirituality, and governance.

Body of Work

This series would consist of 8-12 paintings, equally exploring landscapes, people, and still lifes. This diverse approach includes pastel on paper and oil on canvas or board, each medium echoing the rich textures and colors of Bhutanese life and landscape.

In addition, two related items I’d like to propose are:


Exhibition Catalogue: I propose publishing an exhibition catalogue that serves as a lasting record beyond the exhibition, featuring essays by Bhutanese writers in honor of the 4th King.

Workshop: As part of the opening or closing weekend, I often hold a lecture or half-day workshop. Participants can observe demonstrations of my work and, when possible, engage in creating art, learning fundamentals like composition, color, and perspective. Depending on interest, location, and materials, a full weekend workshop may also be arranged.


Possible additional title ideas:

  1. Kingdom of Serenity

  2. Reflections of Harmony

  3. Echoes of a Serene Kingdom

  4. Whispers of a Peaceful Kingdom

  5. Serenity and Splendor: A Tribute to the 4th King

  6. Harmonious Kingdom: Celebrating the Legacy of the 4th King

  7. Serene Legacy: Reflections on Bhutan’s Fourth King