𝐏𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐬 ‘𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬’: 𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲

…𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

BhutanArt Gallery at the Capital Hotel is excited to present “Identity Threads,” a captivating solo exhibition by Pema Yangdon. Running from September 1st to September 30th, 2024, this exhibition concludes VAST Bhutan’s Silver Jubilee Grant series, celebrating 25 years of supporting and nurturing artistic talent in Bhutan.

The Silver Jubilee Grant, launched by VAST Bhutan in 2023, marks a significant milestone for the organization. After a highly competitive selection process, eight solo exhibitions were chosen to be presented over two years. This year, the gallery has showcased notable exhibitions including “Money Cannot Buy You Love” by Brian Young and “PATIENCE-Life at my Pace” by Karma T Dorji. Pema Yangdon’s “Identity Threads” now brings this series to a poignant conclusion.

Pema Yangdon, a Thimphu-based artist and freelance interior designer, holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Amity University. Her work, primarily presented through mixed media, reflects a deep personal journey of change and transformation. “It’s the little things in life that matter the most. You learn to appreciate the constant changes,” Yangdon states. Her art is designed to evoke joy, warmth, and comfort, akin to a reassuring embrace.

Pema Yangdon’s artistic approach includes repurposing everyday objects, such as Instax Fujifilm camera rollers, into meaningful frames, turning perceived waste into beautiful art. This innovative technique embodies her philosophy that even the ordinary can be transformed into something extraordinary.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Pema Yangdon is a member of VAST Bhutan and has previously exhibited with the group at the Paro International Airport and the Healing with Happiness 2022 event for Belfius Bank in Brussels. She is also the Impact Officer for Global Shapers Thimphu Hub.

Her artist statement reveals a passion for evoking joy and comfort through her work. “Art has been a major part of my life since childhood. It has allowed me to experiment and play with different mediums, reflecting the ever-changing nature of life,” Pema Yangdon explains.

“Identity Threads” offers an immersive experience into Pema Yangdon’s artistic vision and personal reflections. The exhibition is open at BhutanArt Gallery, Capital Hotel (Opposite to NPPF Building), from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM, and will be closed on Mondays.

Q. How did your journey as an artist begin, and what initially drew you to mixed media as your primary form of expression?
A.My journey began as a small child; I was always drawing and experimenting. Around 5th grade, I started focusing more on my art, exploring various materials like wrappers and trinkets to create pieces. Since then, I’ve never stuck to one medium-whether it’s drawing, painting, writing, or making installations.

Q.‘Identity Threads’ seems deeply personal, reflecting your past, present, and future. Can you share how your personal experiences have shaped your artistic vision?
A. ‘Identity Threads’ isn’t just about my identity, it’s about what has shaped me. The people and experiences in my life define who I am now, and my work reflects that. I’ve always thought we overlook the small things in life, so I created miniature art that requires people to come close to appreciate it. It’s a celebration of my past, my loved ones, and what I aspire to become in the future.

Q.Your use of everyday objects, such as Instax Fujifilm camera rollers, to create frames is fascinating. What inspired you to incorporate these materials into your art, and what do they symbolize for you?
A. I started collecting these camera rollers in 2017 when I got the camera, knowing I wanted to create art with them. They’re meant to be discarded, but I saw potential in them. Art doesn’t need to be confined to paper or canvas, it can be made from anything. The camera rollers were originally for photography, but I transformed them into frames for my artwork.

Q.As an interior designer and a member of VAST Bhutan, how do you balance these two creative fields, and how do they influence each other in your work?
A. It’s tough to balance both fields. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, but I push through. While working in interior design, I get ideas I want to paint, and vice versa. Each field supports the other—interior design gives me ideas for painting, and painting enhances my design work.

Q.VAST Bhutan has played a significant role in supporting young artists. How has being a part of this community impacted your growth as an artist, and what does it mean to you to be chosen for the Silver Jubilee Grant?
A. VAST Bhutan has always inspired me. Every exhibition and activity at VAST challenged my perceptions and helped me grow. Being part of VAST made me realize what I wanted to become as an artist. Receiving the Silver Jubilee Grant was an honor, I never thought I’d get the chance, but I’m grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Q.Your exhibition explores themes of change and transformation. How do you personally navigate change in your life, and how is that reflected in your artistic process?
A. I try to prepare for change, but I also welcome it when it comes unexpectedly. I believe in discipline and taking responsibility, so I don’t force transitions—I move forward step by step. This mirrors my artistic process; I paint with a focus on each next brushstroke, recording the progress to capture my journey as it unfolds.

Q. Your work is known to evoke feelings of joy, warmth, and comfort. How do you intentionally create this emotional connection through your art?
A. I create what makes me happy. As I paint, I think about how I want to feel when I look at the final piece. When I visit exhibitions, certain artworks stir emotions in me, and I aim to replicate that joy in my own work—for myself and for those who view it.

Q.‘Identity Threads’ invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences. What has been the most surprising or meaningful feedback you’ve received from those who have experienced your work?
A. Before the exhibition, I doubted myself, thinking it wasn’t worth it. But friends and mentors helped me push through. Once the exhibition started, I was struck by how surprised people were by my miniature works. They expected large canvases, but the small scale was a unique experience for many. One viewer told me it was a “treat for the eyes,” which meant a lot to me.

Q.Bhutan’s culture and landscapes are often intertwined with its artists’ work. How does being Bhutanese influence your art, and how do you integrate local elements into your creative process?
A. There’s inspiration everywhere in Bhutan, you just need to look closely. As a Bhutanese artist, I feel fortunate to learn and incorporate local symbols and elements into my work. It’s my goal to explore these symbols further and create more pieces that reflect our culture’s depth and beauty.

Q.Looking ahead, how do you envision your artistic journey evolving, and are there any future projects or themes you’re excited to explore beyond ‘Identity Threads’?
A. This is just the beginning. I’m excited for what’s to come, I have so many ideas waiting to be created. I hope to inspire others by showing that art can be made from anything, and everyone has creativity within them, waiting to be unlocked.