Art Exhibit. Buddhist Thangka Art by Tashi Gurung

Contrary to the Western approach, some of the most central theological teachings and stories in the East were transmitted not through books and writing but through art in pictorial form. While in the Western world, the Holy Bible is the most-read and most translated book, in Tibet and Buddhism, the most important concepts weren't written but painted. Monks and gurus were taught to paint early on and tell the story of Buddha and Buddhism through scroll paintings or thangkas.

These scroll paintings were passed on through centuries and used as a visual aid to explain to people the meaning of Buddhism, its way of life, Buddha's life journey, the principle of reincarnation, the path to enlightenment, the path to happiness and eternity, and many other principles.

In the remote village of Lo Manthang, in the ancient Kingdom of Mustang, high in the Himalayas of Nepal, Max Khusid (the owner of the gallery) met a Thangka artist, Tashi Gurung, six years ago.

Tashi is a master thangka painter who has been part of several UNESCO-sponsored restoration projects in Ladakh, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, and others. Over the last six years, we've been working with Tashi to build this thangka collection.

In this exhibit, we'll present Tashi's most comprehensive collection with important thangkas and mandalas: Kalachakra Mandala, Mantra Mandala, Wheel of Life, The Life of Buddha, Path to Nirvana, Tree of Physiology, Green Tara, Manjushree, Mahakala, Pancha Buddha and others.

Just like Tibetan scholars more than a century ago, who traveled the world with these scroll paintings to different festivals and fairs and explained the meaning behind them, we'll try to do the same in our small but cozy Art House SF art gallery.

Max Khusid will share stories about his journey to Nepal, meeting Tashi, Thangka process and medium, and will go over the meaning of each art piece at 5pm and 7pm on Saturday, January 25.

LAST WEEKEND of this exhibit, don't miss it!

Tashi Gurung. Green Tara Thangka

Painting on cotton cloth with natural pigments and Yak glue. 36"x27"

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Tashi Gurung. Pancha Buddha Mandala

Painting on cotton cloth with natural pigments and Yak glue. 30"x24"

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Tashi Gurung. Mantra Mandala with Eight Auspicious Symbols

Painting on cotton cloth with natural pigments and Yak glue. 25"x25"

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Tashi Gurung. Blue Tara Thangka

Painting on cotton cloth with natural pigments and Yak glue. 25"x20"

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Tashi Gurung. Path to Nirvana

Painting on cotton cloth with natural pigments and Yak glue. 25"x21"

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Tashi Gurung. Medicine Thangka

Painting on cotton cloth with natural pigments and Yak glue. 22"x18"

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Tashi Gurung. Buddha Shakyamuni

Painting on cotton cloth with natural pigments and Yak glue. 31"x24"

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About Art House SF Gallery

A San Francisco art gallery with a mission to introduce more people to eclectic art from the most remote and undiscovered parts of the world. We're located in the famous Castro District - a neighborhood of freedom, acceptance, creativity and diversity.

2324 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

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Hours: Wed - Sat 11-7, Sun 11-5

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