A thousand years of art comes to the land of long white clouds: The “Guanyin and Tara” Thangka art exhibition is coming to Auckland.
A thangka exhibition showcasing the artistic charm of Tibet spanning a thousand years – the “Avalokiteshvara and Tara Thangka Art Exhibition” – is about to open in Auckland. This exhibition, jointly organized by Webb’s Asian Art Department and the Padma Ati Buddhist Academy, will offer viewers a serene and profound spiritual encounter in the early autumn.
The exhibition will feature thangka paintings themed around Avalokiteshvara and Tara, inheriting the religious art traditions of the Tibetan plateau and presenting compassion and wisdom that transcend millennia. These paintings are not presented with dazzling lights or extravagant settings, but rather as spiritual images depicted with reverence, facilitating a silent communication between hearts.
Notably, this exhibition brings together the three major thangka painting schools to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time:
Mentang School: Characterized by delicate lines and gentle colors, like spring water gently depicting compassion.
Khyenri School: Known for its solemn structure and profound ancient style, resembling silent legends in the snow-capped mountains.
Karma Gadri School: A fusion of Central Plains and Tibetan painting traditions, combining realism with spiritual radiance.
The exhibition has specially invited Thangka collector and renowned Buddhist practitioner, Kathok Rinpoche Pema Wangchen, to attend the opening ceremony and share his understanding of art, spiritual practice, and cultural heritage. In addition, Linda Taylor, a lecturer from the University of Auckland, will also participate in a lecture.
[Opening Event]
Sunday, May 11th, 2-4 pm
[Invited Speakers]
Kathok Rinpoche
Linda Taylor (University of Auckland)
[Exhibition Hours]
May 17-18, 1-5 pm
May 24-25, 1-5 pm
May 31 – June 1, 1-5 pm
June 7-8, 1-5 pm
June 14-15, 1-5 pm
June 21-22, 1-5 pm
[Exhibition Address]
Level 9, 10-14 Lorne Street, Auckland Central.
Viewings at other times are available by appointment.
Most of the thangka paintings on display are original works making their global debut. The original pieces are not for sale, but a limited number of high-resolution canvas reproductions are available for purchase.
“No matter how busy life is, the heart can be calm; no matter how chaotic the world is, the mind can be peaceful. We look forward to meeting you here, amidst the vibrant colors and light, encountering Avalokiteshvara and Tara, and experiencing inner peace and tranquility.” The organizers sincerely invite people from all walks of life to visit the exhibition and personally experience the extraordinary impact and spiritual inspiration brought by thangka art.
Audio:
Video：A Call for a Loving Mother
Emaho!
Tara Tara Tara,
Compassionate Mother, with sincere prayers,
Please bestow blessings — a peaceful and serene mind.
Tara Tara Tara,
Compassionate Mother, with sincere prayers,
Please bestow blessings — abundant and fulfilling wealth.
Tara Tara Tara,
Compassionate Mother, with sincere prayers,
Please bestow blessings — clear and profound wisdom.
Tara Tara Tara,
Compassionate Mother, with sincere prayers,
Please bestow blessings — a life of self-benefit and benefiting others.
Tara Tara Tara,
Compassionate Mother, with sincere prayers,
Please bestow blessings — peaceful and perfect achievements.
Tara Tara Tara,
Compassionate Mother, with sincere prayers, please bestow blessings
Sidhi, sidhi, sidhi!
Phala, phala, phala.
Jaiya, jaiya, jaiya.
— Ren Zhen Qian Bao
Sincere prayers!
Harmonious family, blessings of longevity and health,
National prosperity and peace, world peace.
Original link: New Zealand Chinese Herald
https://www.chineseherald.co.nz/news/lifestyle/thangka-exhibition/