Anay Ngawang Chodak fondly recalls his childhood in Mussoorie, India, where his passion for art first emerged during his school days. Captivated by various art forms, he would gaze in awe at every artistic expression. Throughout his school years, especially during celebrations like Gandhiji’s birthday or Independence Day, he consistently received prizes in the school’s art competitions.
Upon completing his schooling, Anay embarked on an artistic journey, seeking knowledge from various monasteries. When he arrived in Nepal, he further honed his artistic skills under the guidance of Thangka painter Roshan Shakya. The fruits of his year-long artistic dedication are now on display at the Siddhartha Art Gallery in Babermahal, from November 22 to December 22.
In 2003, while residing in India, he had the opportunity to depict the visions of the 5th Dalai Lama, an experience that significantly contributed to shaping his current personality. During that period, he lived in a monastery, fulfilling the roles of both a painter and a recipient of valuable teachings from numerous Lamas. Immersed in the exploration of internal qualities, Dharma, and compassion, this period proved instrumental in his personal growth.
Firmly grounded in the ideologies of void and world peace, he ardently believes in these principles. He asserts that the ongoing exhibition serves as a platform to communicate and emphasize these messages to the world.
He fondly recalls his Guruma, a Buddhist monk, for whom he crafted the majority of his Thangka paintings. Given that many of these artworks are connected to Buddhist tantric practices, he believes they should not be publicly displayed. Instead, his Guruma selectively shares these paintings solely with individuals who are deemed eligible and have dedicated significant time to the practice of Dharma.
The exhibition predominantly features paintings that blend the traditional essence of Thangka with a contemporary touch of abstraction. He emphasizes that these artworks are intentionally created in this manner. Despite having established a notable reputation in the realm of Thangka, he expresses a desire to explore various mediums and forms in his paintings. This experimentation serves as a means to introduce himself as an artist with a unique and diverse talent.
Discussing the process of creating his art, he asserts that with a pure heart and meticulous attention, there is nothing that cannot be achieved in artistic expression. Recalling certain instances, he remembers painting a deity and experiencing a vivid dream in which the image of that very deity appeared. Such encounters with divine beings during the creative process transform the art not only for himself but also for the audience. He acknowledges that witnessing a deity in a dream-like state is a significant and profoundly satisfying experience that any artist could aspire to.
In several paintings featured in the exhibition, a distinctive style is evident with highlighted and elongated eyes. Additionally, in certain artworks, the images of Buddha seem to emerge from within another painting. The artist explains that this technique is known as the Indian Alchi technique, a drawing style that enjoys widespread popularity. The artist finds this approach fascinating and has incorporated it into his paintings, adding an intriguing dimension to his artistic expression.
Discussing the purpose of his paintings, the artist explains that in Buddhism, not everything can be attained within a single lifetime. His primary emphasis is on sowing the seed of Dharma among the general public, envisioning it as a seed that will eventually grow into a substantial tree, offering shade and benefit to many people.
At a certain juncture in his career, infusing a life-like quality into his paintings became imperative. To achieve this, he invites various Lamas to conduct a Puja (ritual) for the Thangka he personally creates. On occasions, he incorporates the offerings made by the Lama directly into the colors, enhancing the sacred and lifelike essence of his artwork.
As the exhibition spans a month, a multitude of art enthusiasts gathered at the gallery to appreciate the captivating paintings presented by the artist himself. The artist is actively present at the gallery on a daily basis, eagerly welcoming feedback from the visitors.
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