Design Inspiration:
As the title suggests, my work depict various species of birds. Yet these birds are not simply avian representations, but instead symbolize fundamental Buddhist teachings of peace, joy and inspiration. “The main message of [Wings of Joy] is inspiration. Since mankind was born, wings have been one of the most inspirational symbols. In Tibetan philosophy in particular, the enlightened beings have wings. All of these paintings are a solid inspiration about a universe of joy.”
Pema Rinzin
Born in Tibet in 1966, Pema Rinzin grew up in Dharamsala, India where he trained with master Thangka painters from 1979 to 1983. Rinzin was the first Tibetan artist in residence at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York. His contemporary style art gained prominence after his work was exhibited in the Rubin Museum.
In 2007 Rinzin founded the New York Tibetan Art Studio (NYTAS), the only school in New York committed to teaching and preserving the classical art of Thangka painting. NYTAS has received recognition from Tibet House US and the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala as an institution preserving Tibetan culture.
