不丹當代藝術家 Tintin Pema Tshering 的創作，不僅是技巧的展現，更是一場深入心靈的精神探索。生活在喜馬拉雅地區的Tintin深受這片土地獨特的文化底蘊影響，作為喜馬拉雅當代藝術的新生代代表，Tintin的創作不僅體現了深厚的傳統文化根基，也融合了當代藝術的多元風格。深厚的文化素養與跨越時空的創作結合，使 Tintin曾作為不丹代表參與佛羅倫斯雙年展、孟加拉亞洲藝術雙年展、福岡三年展等國際重要展會，是目前最活躍於國際舞台的不丹當代藝術家之一。
而Tintin的創作受到不丹當代藝術之父： Asha Kama 和全球喜馬拉雅當代藝術的領軍人物：Tsherin Sherpa等多位藝術家影響。Asha Kama 被公認為不丹當代藝術的火炬手，他的作品以將藏傳佛教和文化的再詮釋著稱。自1998年以來，Tintin便是Asha Kama的學生，Asha對他的藝術觀有著深遠的影響。Tsherin Sherpa則是以其將喜馬拉雅文化與當代風格融合聞名，他的創作深受文化和歷史的啟發，作品往往呈現出一種強烈的符號性，而這種符號性恰恰也是Tintin試圖在其作品中使用的元素。Tintin不僅延續了Asha Kama及Tsherin Sherpa對傳統文化的敬意，還加入了個人化的視覺符號，使得他的作品同時具有強烈的個人特色和文化傳承。
Q：可以請你談談跟Asha討論創作的感覺嗎？他對你有怎樣的影響？
Tintin Pema Tshering（簡稱Tintin）：Asha Kama是我摯愛的老師，更是引領喜馬拉雅當代藝術進入不丹的先驅和基石。若沒有他的遠見和教誨，我無法想象不丹是否會有當代藝術。Asha的教誨不僅僅限於藝術觀念及其技巧，他更教會我作為一位藝術家的真正含義：擁有「藝術家之心」。所謂「藝術家之心」是指對所有眾生，包括自己，懷有愛與慈悲，並擁有像孩子一樣的好奇心，享受無限可能的世界。當你是一位真正的藝術家時，你擁有最敏感的情緒，你周圍的一切都會成為你珍視的寶藏，並賦予生命其意義。Asha讓我立志成為一位真正的藝術家，我希望我能一生追求這一目標。
而當我和Asha討論創作時，它不僅僅是為了實現某個想法而開始的對談，它更是一場愉快的探索，充滿了無限的可能性。對我而言，能與他共享這個充滿奇蹟的世界是無比幸福的事。我們談論如何將想法化為實作，分享那些超越現實邏輯和常規理解的生命經歷，它們如何存在於現實維度，成為驅動我們創作的精神。這是至關重要的，因為沒有這份精神、愛與創作的喜悅，藝術創作就失去了價值。Asha擁有這樣偉大的精神，能為每一件創作帶來快樂。
Q：可以請你談談Tsherin Sherpa的作品對你有哪些影響嗎？
Tintin：幾年前，當我第一次看到Tsherin Sherpa的作品時，我感到無比的喜悅。我看到一個來自同一文化根源的藝術家所展現的非凡且獨特的表達，讓人立刻與作品產生共鳴，並開啟無限的想像。作為藝術家，你最珍視的是這段旅程，而僅僅是看一眼Tsherin Sherpa的作品，我便能與他在創作過程中必須經歷的旅程產生共鳴。我至今仍為他的所有作品所啟發，並且很高興能夠透過他在接下來幾年創作的眾多作品來見證他的藝術之路。
Q：那麼你覺得Asha Kama 及Tsherin Sherpa 對喜馬拉雅當代藝術的貢獻是什麼？
Tintin：Asha和Tsherin為喜馬拉雅當代藝術打開了大門。他們的貢獻超越了他們個人的藝術創作。他們為喜馬拉雅的藝術家們開啟了無限的創作可能性，讓我們能夠創造出真正原創且根植於喜馬拉雅文化的表現形式。
這扇大門，表面上是為藝術世界所經歷，但實際上是為喜馬拉雅藝術家們探索和成長所開啟的。
圖片來源：The Rubin Museum。
Q：你參與了在魯賓美術館舉辦的《Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now》群展，作為其中一位參展藝術家，感受如何？
Tintin：《Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now》對我個人來說是一個非常重要的展覽。能夠參與並成為這個歷史性展覽的一部分，對我來說是一個偉大的經歷，這真的是一個夢想成真的時刻！儘管這是該空間中的最後一場展覽，但Rubin美術館提出的無牆博物館的願景是非常鼓舞人心的，它讓我更加堅信世界已經準備好迎接喜馬拉雅當代藝術。
Q：你認為喜馬拉雅當代藝術是什麼？你的作品如何詮釋喜馬拉雅當代藝術？
Tintin：當你談論喜馬拉雅當代藝術時，它不僅僅是指地方和起源，而是指喜馬拉雅的文化經歷以及人們的故事所具有的神聖性，這就是構成喜馬拉雅當代藝術的核心。我相信，藝術是最純粹的表達形式，只有通過喜馬拉雅當代藝術，我們才能理解過去與現在的真正價值，甚至是人們對生命、死亡、智慧和慈悲的獨特視角。作為一個一生都生活在喜馬拉雅地區的藝術家，我的創作是為了理解存在的意義和活著的目的。因為我來自不丹，最後的佛教王國，我藉由作品探索佛教哲學、智慧和理解生命。我相信，每一位藝術家都會有他們自己獨特的表達，而我的詮釋將會是對喜馬拉雅當代藝術的貢獻。
Q：那麼你對身為一位藝術家的期許是什麼？你期待自己的作品帶給人們什麼？
Tintin：我試圖分享從學習和理解的世界中所獲得的最真實的體驗。例如，我目前的作品探討的是死亡的狀態，在佛教信仰中，對一個人來說，最重要的是閱讀並理解法教背後的智慧和教義。但作為一個無法完全理解或記住經文的人，我利用藝術作為工具，將這些智慧和理解畫出來，這樣我才能從每一件作品中獲得智慧。所以這些作品是非常個人的，我希望能夠通過這些作品，將我這個自我實現的世界分享給他人。我希望能夠創作出所有來自我內心的想法，而不受任何限制。但作為藝術家，我真正的期望是通過我的作品分享我的世界，我希望人們能夠看到我的視野中所蘊含的價值。
Tintin Pema Tshering: A Conversation Between the Soul of the Himalayas and Contemporary Art
The works of Bhutanese contemporary artist Tintin Pema Tshering are not only a showcase of technical skill but also a profound exploration of the spirit. Living in the Himalayan region, Tintin is deeply influenced by the unique cultural heritage of this land. As a representative of the new generation of Himalayan contemporary artists, his creations not only reflect a solid foundation in traditional culture but also incorporate diverse styles from contemporary art. His rich cultural knowledge, combined with a creative vision that transcends time and space, has established him as one of the most prominent Bhutanese contemporary artists on the international stage. Tintin has represented Bhutan at major global events, including the Florence Biennale, the Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh, and the Fukuoka Triennale.
Tintin’s work has been shaped by the influence of several key artists, among them Asha Kama, the father of contemporary Bhutanese art, and Tsherin Sherpa, a leading figure in global Himalayan contemporary art. Asha Kama is widely regarded as the enlightener of Bhutanese contemporary art, celebrated for his reinterpretations of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. Since 1998, Tintin has been a student of Asha Kama, and the latter’s influence on his artistic vision has been profound. Tsherin Sherpa is known for blending Himalayan culture with contemporary styles in his work. His creations are deeply inspired by culture and history, often displaying a strong sense of symbolism—an element that Tintin also seeks to incorporate into his own works. Tintin not only continues the respect for traditional culture shared by Asha Kama and Tsherin Sherpa but also introduces personalized visual symbols, giving his work a distinctive personal touch while preserving cultural heritage.
Q: Could you share what it’s like discussing your creative process with Asha Kama? How have he influenced you?
Tintin Pema Tshering ( Hereafter referred to as Tintin): Asha Kama is my beloved teacher. He is truly the pioneer and father of contemporary Bhutanese art. Without his vision and teachings, I can’t imagine whether Bhutan would even have a contemporary art scene.Asha’s teachings go beyond just “art” and its techniques and possibilities. I believe that Asha Kama has bestowed the greatest treasure upon me, offering the most precious lesson a teacher can give to a student: the true meaning of being an artist, which is to have the “True Heart of an Artist.”
When I say “True Heart of an Artist,” I mean having love and compassion for all beings, including yourself, and maintaining a childlike curiosity that allows you to enjoy the world of imagination and possibility. A true artist is deeply sensitive to every emotion, and everything around them becomes a treasure to be valued, giving life its meaning. This is not something easily expressed, and Asha Kama has taught me more than just art; he has inspired me to aspire to become a True Artist, a pursuit I hope to follow for the rest of my life.
When discussing a creative process with Asha Kama, it goes beyond steps and methods to achieve an idea. It is a joyful exploration of possibilities, and I am personally so happy to share this world of endless wonders with him. We talk about bringing ideas to life and the awe and life of experiences, which sometimes is beyond practical logic and comprehension, yet still live through us and become the very spirit that drives our joy of creation. This spirit is essential, because without it—without the love and joy of creation—art loses its value. Asha Kama has this great spirit to bring joy to every creation.
Q: Could you share how have Tsherin Sherpa influenced you?
Tintin: When I first saw Tsherin Sherpa’s work a few years ago, it gave me immense joy. To witness such an exceptional and unique expression coming from the same roots as ours makes you feel deeply connected to the work, and it opens your mind to endless possibilities. As an artist, you value the journey the most, and with just one glimpse of Tsherin Sherpa’s work, I could relate to the journey he must have gone through in his creations. I am still inspired by all his works and am grateful to be able to follow his artistic journey through the many pieces he has created in the years since.
Q: What do you think are Asha Kama and Tsherin Sherpa’s contributions to Himalayan contemporary art?
Tintin: Asha Kama and Tsherin Sherpa have opened the door to Himalayan contemporary art. Their contribution goes beyond their personal works of art. They have unlocked a world of endless possibilities for us, the artists of the Himalayas, to create truly original and well-rooted Himalayan expressions. This door is not only for the art world to experience but, more importantly, for Himalayan artists to explore and grow.
Q: You participated in the group exhibition “Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now” at the Rubin Museum. As one of the featured artists, how did you feel about the experience?
Tintin: “Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now” was a very important exhibition for me personally. It was a great experience to celebrate and be part of such a historic exhibition in the six-story space that has showcased Himalayan art for decades. It truly felt like a dream come true for me as an artist! Although it was the last exhibition in that current space, the vision of the Rubin Museum opening up the world as a “museum without walls” was truly inspiring, and it gave me hope that the world is ready for Himalayan contemporary art.
Q: How do you perceive Himalayan contemporary art? And how does your work interpret Himalayan contemporary art?
Tintin: When you talk about Himalayan contemporary art, it is about more than just the place and its origin. It encompasses the Himalayan experience—the sacredness of the mountains, the sky, the people, and their stories. This is what defines Himalayan contemporary art. I believe that art is the purest form of expression, and only through Himalayan contemporary art can we truly understand the value of the past, the present, and the unique perspectives of the people on life, death, wisdom, and compassion.
As an artist who has spent my entire life in the Himalayas, I pursue my work to understand everything around me. The meaning of existence and the nature of being alive are what inspire me the most. Being from Bhutan, the last Buddhist Kingdom, I explore Buddhist philosophy and wisdom through my work to deepen my understanding of life. I believe that every artist has their own unique expression, and my interpretation will be my contribution to Himalayan contemporary art.
Q: What are your expectations as an artist? What do you hope your work will bring to people?
Tintin: I try to share the most genuine experiences based on what I have learned and what I perceive in my world of understanding and imagination. For example, my current work explores the state of dying. In Buddhist belief, it is most important for a person to read and understand the wisdom and teachings behind the Dharma. However, as someone who cannot fully understand or remember the sacred texts, I use art as a tool to express these wisdoms and insights, allowing me to benefit from each piece I create. So, the work is deeply personal, and I hope to share this world through my art with this simple, self-fulfilling aspiration. My hope is to create freely, without financial struggle or limitations. However, my true expectation as an artist is to share my world through my work, and I hope that people can find value in my vision.
