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Radiant Transmission: Contemporary Masterpieces of Tibetan Buddhist Art
4th – 8th August 2004

This display of Buddhist deity paintings and ritual objects provides a fascinating insight into the complex and highly symbolic nature of the traditional Vajrayana art of ancient India , Nepal and Tibet . All the works in the exhibition have been specially selected from the UK 's first touring exhibition of Tantric art, organised by the October gallery, London.

The exhibition will take a comprehensive look at the iconography employed in both Tibetan and Newar (Nepali) Buddhist art, and in particular the symbolic meanings encapsulated within deity thangkas. Thangkas paintings are one of the most important forms of expression in Buddhist Vajrayana art. By conveying a wealth of iconographic information, thankgas serve as a simple visual guide to contemplative experience. In a unique style that has developed over many years, thankgas are meticulously painted or embroidered on cloth surfaces, mounted on elaborate textiles and provided with silk brocade. In addition to the thangka paintings a variety of clay-sculpted and bronze-cast ritual objects will also be on display. This combination of beautifully crafted and sculptured work provides an interesting introduction to Tantric Buddhism and the arts of Nepal and Tibet.

Buddhism has its roots in ancient India and was first established in Tibet in the 7 th century AD, where it continued to flourish until the 1950's. This highly symbolic form of Tantric or Vajrayana Buddhism inspired an exciting and stimulating art form, the primary purpose of which was to convey the Tantric teachings of Buddhism through a vision of enlightenment. Today these teachings have spread throughout the world and the work on show has been produced by leading contemporary artists of these traditions, who now live in a wide range of countries including the UK.

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