A Nepali artist works on a thangka painting. An exhibition showcasing hundreds of Buddhist thangka paintings will be held at the Pháp Vân Pagoda this weekend. Photo nepalyp.com

HÀ NỘI Thangka artists from Kathmandu, Nepal, will introduce a collection of hundreds of Buddhist thangka paintings during an exhibition this weekend at the Pháp Vân Pagoda.

Alongside the show, the artists will also demonstrate how to create a thangka painting.

The exhibition will include a talk on the significance of this sacred art. Traditionally, thangka paintings were not only valued for their aesthetic beauty, but also as aids to meditational practice. Practitioners use thangkas to develop a clear visualisation of a particular deity, strengthening their concentration, and forming a connection between themselves and the deity. 

Evolving between the 7th and 12th centuries in Nepal, thangka is a traditional and unique art form of this region. Painted on canvas and mounted in colourful silk brocade, the religious scroll paintings feature the region’s Buddhist culture.

The exhibition will open from 10am until 5pm on September 14 and 15. The talk, conducted by the Most Venerable Thích Thanh Huân, as well as an exchange programme with guest artists will take place from 10.30am to 11.30am on September 14. Pháp Vân Pagoda is at 1299 Giải Phóng Road. VNS