Once in a distant village embraced by the serene landscapes of Uttarakhand, resided a young lad who held steadfast belief in the Monkey God’s protection during hardships. Nurtured in the embrace of a devout Hindu family, his parents imbued him with unwavering faith in this divine entity, prompting him to earnestly invoke the Monkey God whenever seeking solace. These precious recollections of childhood resonate in the reflections of artist Sunny Sahil Gopal, as he contemplates his creative odyssey.
Reflecting on his school years, he recalls being mesmerized by the lama guru and the mesmerizing Thangka paintings they created. Fueled by an intense desire to refine his craft, he set off on a pilgrimage through Ladakh’s monasteries, wholly committed to crafting breathtaking Thangka artworks. His masterpieces have journeyed across far-reaching lands, and when his guru embarked on a new path, he faithfully followed.
In the midst of an expedition to Nepal, he experienced an unexplainable connection to the country, sensing it as a second home. Despite arriving without any ties to Nepalese artists, he eagerly delved into the esteemed galleries of Kathmandu, marveling at the contemporary masterpieces showcased. He held profound respect for these artists, envisioning himself presenting his own creations in such prestigious exhibitions one day.
In his quest for Thangka excellence, he discovered solace in crafting contemporary artworks during moments of respite. Gradually, this endeavor led to a rich portfolio of creations, seamlessly intertwining traditional methods with modern expression.
The contemporary art pieces are currently showcased at the Thakpa Gallery in Lazimpat, from [start date] to [end date]. Upon stepping into the gallery, visitors are greeted by a harmonious fusion of Thangka and contemporary artworks.
Among the featured pieces is a striking portrayal of Sankatamochana, blending elements of Thangka painting with modern artistic sensibilities. Additionally, the exhibition includes captivating depictions exploring the perception of meditative individuals by the layman. One particularly intriguing composition portrays a meditator engrossed in his spiritual practice, juxtaposed with another perspective where the same individual appears to observe himself from an external viewpoint.
The following painting portrays a Naga lady safeguarding the heart sutra, while monkeys offer her their most prized possession: fruits. The artwork captivates viewers with its mesmerizing detail, showcasing the artist’s meticulous attention to even the smallest elements.
Similarly, he has also ventured into digital paintings. Monkeys feature prominently in many of his works, prompting inquiries about their recurring presence. With a smile, he responds, “I don’t even know why I’m so fascinated by monkeys.”
In one of his digital paintings, a monkey stands outside the doorway of a temple-like space, seemingly mesmerized by the beauty of a blooming flower. The scene is depicted in a way that suggests the watchful eyes of Lord Bhairava are observing the monkey’s wonder. When questioned about the identity of the monkey, the artist coyly suggests it could represent himself or any of his viewers.
As a trained Thangka artist, the artist has also crafted a Thangka depicting the meditating Buddha in a Bhumi Sparsha mudra. This specific mudra is associated with the moment of Buddha’s enlightenment, as he touched the ground to summon the earth itself as witness to his realization.
The paintings are imbued with Thangka-like colors, predominantly featuring mineral pigments. The imagery itself varies, piquing visitors’ curiosity about the exhibition. The show was exhibited from 16th of March till the 14th of April.
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