Tashi Dendup and Ugyen Samdrup, LPU students of Fine Arts held their debut painting exhibition ‘Warriors’ at one of the oldest art galleries ‘Voluntary Artists’ Studio (VAST)’ in Thimphu, Bhutan. Her Royal Highness Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck of Bhutan inaugurated the event. Celebrating the true strength of human spirit, the 47 exhibits were a collection of portraits of human warrior-ship, relevant in all times and cultures. These portrait-paintings in acrylic and oil were created by twin-brothers, Tashi and Ugyen, popularly known as the “TWINZ” during their Fine Arts programme at LPU.
Divided in different segments, the exhibition displayed portrait-faces of the traditional Bhutanese warrior with typical helmets. Delicate, yet strangely powerful, faces of women were also displayed. Tashi and Ugyen individualized their captivating and amazing portraits with titles like “My time will come”; “I did my Time”; “The Righteous Stare”; “Beyond Chaotic Perception”; “Layered Thoughts”; “Days of Glory”; “Love Me When You are Sober”; “Elusive Conversation”; “In and Out of Beautiful Heart”; and “My Time on Earth”, each brilliantly and suggestively in consonance with the expressions and hues of the paintings.
Talking about their collection, the Twinz said, “The helmets in the paintings are symbols of bravery and strength and the characters are a combination of fictional as well as real people.” They also spoke about working together, “Since both of us think alike, it’s easier to work on the same piece. We conceptualize the idea consciously and as soon as one of us starts painting, the other knows well how to finish the piece.”
UAE artist Tina Ahmed, appreciated the collection in the words, “‘Warriors’ is a visually striking collection of work. It is no singular vision; rather it is a collaboration of four hands and two souls painting on a single canvas, in perfect unison. Amazingly each painting was worked on by both the artists together.” In fact, the careful lines and felt expression made onlookers wonder about pains taken while creating exact emotions on the canvas. Artists seem to be influenced by different great artists, times and cultures. Founder of VAST, Azha Karma holds that “both brother-artists are an excellent blend of contemporary, realistic and honest expression of their own unique sense, yet very Bhutanese.”
LPU Chancellor Mr. Ashok Mittal congratulated the Twinz on their first exhibition and encouraged them to keep pursuing their talent with honesty and passion.
