Definition of Thangka Painting

The art of the painting presents an immense range of proposals and trends and each of them has its own meaning. In the context of Tibetan Buddhism there is the so-called thangka painting. This term belongs to the language Tibetan and literally means flat painting.

Main features

They are pictorial works made on pieces of cotton or silk that portray a deity or a Buddhist mandala. The representations also serve to communicate the spiritual experiences of the artist.

The paints that are used are made from minerals, because in this way the colors do not disappear. The brushstrokes are very thin, since it is necessary to paint very small details.

In the past, the artists of this trend only transmitted their knowledge to other male artists, but today there are also women who dedicate themselves to this art.

Artists can spend years on one of their pieces, as these present minute details of a large complexity. To achieve the category As a teacher in this technique, it is estimated that it is necessary to train for at least ten years.

Tangkha paintings usually decorate monasteries and are sometimes transferred for some religious ceremonies. These works can be rolled up and for this reason They were originally used by Buddhist monks who moved from one monastery to another.

Preparations are very important

The process of creating a thangka painting is not easy. First, the canvas is attached using a wire so that it maintains a great tension within the frame of wood. The fabric is then sealed with a combination of plaster and chalk. When the fabric is fully adjusted, its surface is polished with a smooth stone in order to remove the lower layer of the fabric. From this moment on, the initial sketch with pencil or charcoal begins. Once this phase is completed, the lines are drawn in ink.

As for the colors, all of them are natural pigments that are reflected from the bottom of the canvas to the center.

Something more than a simple artistic current

Art and religion have been closely linked throughout history. In the tradition Tibetan Buddhist also occurs this phenomenon. Thus, thangka painting has two spiritual purposes that cannot be dissociated: to aid personal meditation and to favor the visualization of religious ideas.

At the same time, it is considered that this expression pictorial is a way to enhance the spiritual path of the soul.

Photos: Fotolia - Maurizio / Javierglez