Created by Bhutanese twin brothers Twinz -- Tashi Dendup and Ugyen Samdrup -- the art exhibition "Bliss" will help Thais learn more about Bhutan and Bhutanese culture. "Bliss" presents a collection of paintings inspired by Vajrayana Buddhism, psychedelics, shamanism, and both tangible and intangible aspects of Bhutanese culture.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, bliss means perfect happiness. However, the twin artists explained that the meaning of the exhibition title "Bliss" is more than just happiness.
"During the opening, many visitors questioned why the exhibition is titled 'Bliss' as many portraits look sad. The concept of bliss does not revolve around happiness or sadness. It signifies a state beyond fluctuations of happiness and sadness, where one remains unaffected by external circumstances. It is a state of calmness and self-control. Regardless of whether a person receives criticism or compliments, he/she exists in a state of stillness," explained Ugyen, who is the younger twin by one hour.
"We hope the exhibition will expose Bhutanese culture and the concept of bliss to a wider audience," added Tashi.
Wrathful expressions of Buddha.
On show at River City Bangkok, the collection of 30 paintings features bold colours in freestyle patterns combined with Bhutanese traditional icons and symbols, while showcasing realistic or semi-realistic portraits.
When asked to explain the meaning of Bhutanese icons and symbols in their paintings, the artists began with the oil and acrylic painting Nymphaea 2. This piece displays the beautiful face of a woman and the bottom half of the picture presents a goddess with a green body.
"The goddess is known as Green Tara. She is well-known and appears in many Buddhist countries. Green Tara is akin to the mother of Buddha; she is the goddess that embodies compassion and mercy," said Tashi.
In another oil and acrylic painting, Awakening The Primordial Entity, a bodhisattva holds a ritual object called a Dorji.
"Dorji is an object used when performing certain rituals. It is used by a master to give blessings by touching it to people's heads. A real Dorji is also displayed at the exhibition," said Ugyen.
Next to the Dorji, there are four colourful artefacts that may remind Thais of masks seen in khon dance. However, Tashi explained that these artefacts are the wrathful facial expressions of Buddha.
A bodhisattva holds a ritual object called the Dorji in Awakening The Primordial Entity.
"These artefacts are well known in Tibet and Bhutan. The facial expression of Buddha is not about anger. It is connected to compassion to humble oneself. This form is visualised by people in order to attain a clear mind, especially during meditation. As they visualise in this manner, the mind becomes clearer," said Tashi.
Both Tashi and Ugyen have had a passion for drawing and painting since they were very young. However, when they were teenagers, they dreamed of becoming musicians and forming a heavy metal band. They decided to attend a music school at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok. Unfortunately, the aspiring musicians encountered difficulties in learning Thai. As vegetarians, they also had a hard time finding vegetarian food in Thailand. After seven months here, they returned to Bhutan. They later rekindled their original passion and eventually earned their bachelor's in fine arts from Lovely Professional University in India.
As identical twins, Tashi and Ugyen share a special bond. Tashi revealed that even without speaking, they can understand each other by simply looking at each other's faces.
"Especially, when it comes to art, music or movies, we do not have to talk. We just look at each other and I can tell from his expression whether he likes certain scenes, songs or pieces. I sometimes get goosebumps," Tashi said.
With this special bond, the Twinz can collaborate on the same canvas without argument because they have almost identical tastes and ideas. One brother will start and the other will finish the painting.
Twins Ugyen Samdrup, left, and Tashi Dendup.
The twins are interested in Vajrayana Buddhism. When they have time, they read books on Buddha's teachings and engage in meditation with the goal of achieving enlightenment. Most of their paintings feature portraits related to Buddhist concepts.
"According to Buddhist teachings, all human beings are capable of attaining enlightenment within a lifetime. It is a universal concept; it does not matter what race, colour or religion you are. We all have the same potential as Buddha. We can become enlightened. We have to meditate, recognise and achieve that potential. That is why we like to paint faces, as a symbol of the Buddha nature in every one of us," explained Ugyen.
Most of the paintings in "Bliss" are female portraits. Tashi explained that in Buddhism, women represent wisdom.
"The highest teaching, which is transcendental teaching known as yum, signifies mother. This is analogous to Mother Nature or Mother Earth. As for skills and actions, these refer to yab or men. Our current focus is primarily on wisdom," he said.
Psychedelics are an unusual source of inspiration for Twinz. People may think the artists use drugs and created their paintings based on their hallucinations. Tashi explained that psychedelic artwork can result from drug use and certain types of mushrooms, but as religious people, they have not tried any drugs or mushrooms.
"Psychedelics can also be experienced through meditation. We have not experienced it ourselves, but teachers, who mediate in caves or mountains for 15 to 20 years, found themselves in a profound state and had such an experience. We were fascinated by their stories. Modern science also acknowledges that psychedelics can assist certain mental illnesses or issues," said Tashi.
In addition to female and male portraits, many paintings include wild animals such as a wolf, tiger, deer and a gorilla. Ugyen explained that they love animals and their inspiration came from the culture of Native Americans.
"Native Americans have a spiritual connection with animals, especially with buffalo and wolves. In the past, they used to hunt wild animals for clothing, shelter and other necessities. After that, they had certain rituals to pay respect to these animals as well as to the gods and goddesses, for providing animals for food and shelter," explained Ugyen.
Twinz's ultimate goal is to have a solo exhibition in Europe and the US. In October of last year, they were part of a group exhibition in Brussels, Belgium. The twins came to Thailand because many art collectors were interested in viewing and purchasing their paintings. Both Tashi and Ugyen are satisfied with the opening event for their debut exhibition in Bangkok. They complimented the organiser for the professional setup. The brothers hope that Thai people will visit "Bliss".
"You should come, have a look and enjoy the exhibition. You will get insights about Bhutan, Buddhist culture and Buddhism. You will see our perspectives and what inspired us to create our artwork," said Tashi.
"Bliss" runs at River City Bangkok at RCB Photographers' Gallery 1, 2nd floor, until Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/RiverCityBangkok.
