The Art of Bhutanese Happiness

Singapore, 2 April 2014 – Bhutanese and Singaporean artists jointly collaborate for the first time in Singapore to showcase artworks that embody the concept of happiness, and to raise funds for less-privileged young talents from Bhutan and Singapore. The exhibition, titled Impressions of Happiness, will be opened on 11 April 2014 at 7.00pm and runs till 18 April 2014, in the Chapel Gallery at Sculpture Square.

Organised by Druk Asia Pte Ltd and initiated by the Singapore Bhutan Foundation, the exhibition is in support of the International Young Artists Exchange (IYAE) and Voluntary Artists Studio (VAST) Bhutan. The Impressions of Happiness exhibition will feature the works of internationally acclaimed Bhutanese artists such as the winner of Bhutan’s National Order of Merit Gold Medal (2010), Mr Kama Wangdi and founder of Datog Art Gallery in Bhutan, Mr Rinchen Wangdi. It will also feature young and upcoming Bhutanese artists and Singaporean artist, Lian Cherng Zhi.

The concept of happiness is central to Bhutanese belief and indicated in the country’s unique measure of success – its Gross National Happiness. This exhibition is an insight into the notion of happiness as practised by the Bhutanese.

Mr Koh Boon Long, Chairman of the Singapore Bhutan Foundation, says: “The Singapore Bhutan Foundation aims to share with the community in Singapore the culture, history and the concept of happiness, which is very close to the heart of Bhutanese people. The exhibition is both an educational and cultural initiative which the Singapore Bhutan Foundation hopes will encourage the local community to know more about Bhutan.”

This exhibition features artworks of Bhutanese artists experimenting with both Western and Bhutanese techniques and mediums, and their interpretation of traditional Bhutanese themes such as Buddhist iconography, Bhutanese subjects, landscapes and way of life. It is a successful rendition of how ancient values and ideals can be represented in a contemporary art form.

Exhibiting for the first time in Singapore, Mr Kama Wangdi, 56, shares: “For Bhutanese artists, combining the rigorous and structured traditional style with the more expressive form of contemporary art is still a new territory. The artists must respect the traditional Bhutanese and Buddhist themes and at the same time have a mature sense of creativity to portray a modern perspective of these traditional and religious subjects. This exhibition is truly a celebration of the captivating works of contemporary art being produced by various Bhutanese artists.”

Part of the sale proceeds from the artworks on display will go to two arts causes – IYAE and VAST Bhutan. IYAE funds exchange programmes for both Singapore and international young talents from financially-disadvantaged backgrounds. VAST Bhutan is a pioneer non-profit arts organisation that champions contemporary arts and provides young Bhutanese artists with the opportunity to pursue the arts. VAST Bhutan has trained more than 1,000 young people and some of who are from difficult backgrounds. The organisation has produced many fine artists and some of the young artists participating in this exhibition are beneficiaries of this social cause.

The exhibition will also feature works by local artist, Lian Cherng Zhi, 35. Cherng Zhi has travelled and presented his sketches in many countries including Germany, China and Bhutan. Druk Asia Pte Ltd, Bhutan’s local tour operator and representative of the Royal Bhutan Airlines, had commissioned Cherng Zhi to paint a series of artworks for their 2014 calendar.

Cherng Zhi says: “Art is a tool to comprehend the human condition. As a traveling artist, I record the visages of the people I meet, places I’ve visited and the cultural experiences. Bhutan opened my eyes to a new perspective of life. It was an inspiring journey of self-discovery for me and I have captured this essence in my artworks.”

There will also be a book launch on 12 April, as part of the exhibition. Titled The History of Bhutan and written by Bhutanese scholar Dr Karma Phuntsho, this is the first book to chronicle the history of Bhutan in English. The book will be available for sale.

The organisers will also be screening Forgotten Treasures, directed by filmmaker Pek Siok Sian. The film tells the story of a fascinating ancient world faced with modernity. The film will be screened on 13 April.

Bhutan Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Dasho Kesang Wangdi, will officially open the Impressions of Happiness exhibition on 11 April, 7.00pm in the Chapel Gallery, Sculpture Square. Thereafter, the exhibition will be open till 17 April from 10am to 7pm. Admission is free.

Opening programme

Date: 11 April 2014, Friday, 7.00pm to 8.30pm
Venue: Sculpture Square, 155 Middle Road, Singapore 188977

7.00pm Arrival of guests
7.30pm Arrival of Guest-of-Honour, Mr Dasho Kesang Wangdi, Ambassador of Bhutan to Singapore
7.40pm Speech by GOH
7.50pm Tour of exhibition
8.10pm Reception

About the Impressions of Happiness exhibition

Central to their way of life, the Bhutanese people live and breathe happiness. This unique joint exhibition endeavours to spread that philosophy through the artworks of both Bhutanese and Singaporean artists. The exhibition features artworks, which include paintings and sculpture.

Organised by Druk Asia Pte Ltd and initiated by the Singapore Bhutan Foundation, proceeds from the sale of artworks will be in aid of the International Young Artists Exchange (IYAE) fund and the Voluntary Artist’s Studios Bhutan (VAST Bhutan).

About the Singapore Bhutan Foundation

The Singapore Bhutan Foundation (SBF) was incorporated on 1 September 2011 as a non-profit organisation. The vision of SBF is: “To be the leading channel for education and cultural exchanges between Singapore and Bhutan.”

Since its formation, SBF has organised several Educational and Community Expeditions to Bhutan for members as well as for students in schools, polytechnics, universities and ITE as part of their Community Service Programme. The foundation and its members have also organised talks related to culture and education in Bhutan. In addition, SBF has helped to facilitate the placement of Singaporean volunteer educators to teach in Bhutanese schools.

About VAST

Bhutan Voluntary Artists’ Studio, Thimphu, popularly known as VAST, was set up in 1998 by a group of professional artists as a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO). It was set up with the sole aim of providing an opportunity to Bhutanese youth to participate and develop their potential talents as well as share social responsibilities through artistic explorations and other socially useful and productive work. Its primary objective is to provide potential vocational skills and alternative positive use of free time and facilitate participation in the national and international art realm.

About the International Young Artists Exchange fund

The International Young Artists Exchange (IYAE) is a programme that gives promising young artists from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to go on an arts education and exchange programme outside of their home country to further their growth, develop their talent and give them hope for a brighter future.

The IYAE exchange programme invites underprivileged yet artistically-talented children selected from their home countries to come to Singapore, where they are housed, learn our culture and meet children of similar circumstances. Similarly, the IYAE exchange sees Singapore’s artistically-talented children from disadvantaged homes given an opportunity to visit another country, where they showcase their talents internationally, open their eyes to new cultures, meet locals, build self-esteem and come home to share their experiences.

About Sculpture Square

Sculpture Square Ltd is a non-profit, independent arts organisation and a registered charity under the Singapore National Arts Council. It is Singapore's first and only art space dedicated to the promotion, development and regional exchange of contemporary three-dimensional (3D) art. Since its inception in 1999, Sculpture Square has been a pioneer player in the local visual arts scene, especially in recognising and nurturing young talent.