Preserving Himalayan Heritage:
Master Niangben’s Thangka
Art Exhibition at Rockefeller Estate
Presenting
a three-week special exhibition showcasing
Tibetan Buddhist art, exploring the cultural
and spiritual significance of Thangka
The “Inheritance and
Beyond:
Master Niangben’s Thangka Art Exhibition”
will open on September 22 202.
at the
Art Gallery at Rockefeller State Park
Preserve,
RSVP
Attracting artists, collectors, and cultural
figures from around the world.
This international Thangka art exhibition, hosted by
the Lily Li Future Foundation
and the
World Tibetan Thangka Research and Conservation Foundation,
with full support from the Rockefeller
family,
will run through October 11, 2024,
with daily hours from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Thangka art,
an essential expression of Tibetan Buddhist
culture,
has been recognized by UNESCO as an
intangible cultural heritage.
Master Niangben, the exhibition’s
featured artist, is a national-level
inheritor of the Thangka art form, widely
regarded as one of the most distinguished
contemporary Thangka artists.
His works, including the
masterpieces Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and
Medicine Buddha, are crafted with natural
gemstone pigments, embodying the seamless
blend of faith and artistry.
Through this
collection, viewers gain deeper insights
into the profound cosmology, worldview, and
values embedded in Thangka art.
In addition to his artistic contributions,
Master Niangben has also dedicated himself
to teaching Thangka techniques to
underprivileged children in his hometown,
ensuring the continuation of this ancient
art.
The World Tibetan Thangka
Research and Conservation Foundation have
played a significant role in supporting this
exhibition, emphasizing that Master
Niangben’s work represents the pinnacle
of modern Thangka artistry.
The exhibition not only promotes this
precious cultural heritage but also marks a
milestone in its global recognition and
protection.
The opening ceremony will
be a vibrant gathering of distinguished
guests, including figures from the art
world, diplomatic circles, and those with a
deep interest in Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Steven Rockefeller, speaking on
behalf of the Rockefeller family, will
address the attendees, and highlight their
strong commitment
to the event.
The Rockefellers regard this exhibition as both a celebration of art and a
tribute to cultural diversity. They
generously offered The Art Gallery at
Rockefeller State Park Preserve as the
venue, blending the beauty of Thangka art
with one of New York’s most stunning natural
landscapes, fostering a harmonious dialogue
between art and nature.
To enhance the immersive
experience, internationally renowned pianist
Lang Lang, a major collector of
Master Niangben’s work,
has been invited to perform at the exhibition.
He will deliver a series of performances,
with each piece reflecting his personal
interpretation of Niangben’s art. This
fusion of music and visual art adds a unique
auditory dimension, allowing attendees to
experience the full depth of Thangka’s
spiritual resonance.
The exhibition is co-curated
by acclaimed curators
Charles Sullivan and Cindy Ye.
Charles Sullivan remarked,
“This exhibition is not merely a visual feast but also a spiritual
journey that delves deeply into the essence
of Tibetan Buddhist culture.”
Cindy Ye added,
“Each Thangka represents a microcosm of the universe. We have carefully
designed the exhibition space to immerse
visitors in the experience, allowing them to
feel the profound and enduring spiritual
power of Buddhism.”
Lily Li, founder of the
Lily Li Future Foundation,
pointed out the importance of this
exhibition:
“In today’s fast-paced world, Thangka art
has the unique ability to nourish the soul,
encourage reflection on life’s meaning, and
foster inner peace. This exhibition is an
opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing
more people to understand and appreciate
this traditional art form.
We also hope to demonstrate the modern value of traditional Thangka art to
the world through Master Niangben's works.”
Ms. Lily
has long been committed to promoting
Chinese culture
and fostering the development of the next generation.
The Lily Li Future Foundation
focuses on education, technology, and
cultural advancement.
It has previously organized
Master Fo Tao’s
calligraphy tour, the photo exhibition
highlighting the history of Chinese
Americans,
and has co-hosted the Chinese Lunar New
Year concerts
at Carnegie Hall in New York for eight
consecutive years,
among other large-scale cultural events.
Through these initiatives, the foundation
has brought China’s rich and diverse
cultural heritage to audiences across the
U.S. and beyond, leaving a lasting impact.
This remarkable cultural
and artistic event not only highlights
Master Niangben’s artistic
achievements but also embodies the shared
pursuit of cultural preservation and
exchange.
The organizers hope to foster understanding
and communication between different
cultures, contributing to the protection and
promotion of Himalayan culture and the
legacy of Thangka art.
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