Mongolian Thangka painting has its own history, form and rules which have been passed down over the centuries, and for which there is a rising appreciation both inside the country and worldwide.
This is an excellent introduction to the subject produced as part of a series of films on aspects of Mongolian art and architecture, which I will be showing over the next few weeks.
This one centres on the thangka tradition and various narrators, expert in their field, explain its history, trdaitions, and the very interesting rules which all artists must master before they are allowed to work on major thangkas.
In this sense it is quite opposite to western art, where basically the artist himself defines what is presented, and what forms it takes. This doesn’t mean the artist has no freedom, or no discernible style. Indeed he does, but it is within parameters set by the tradition.
The film is very well-made, and visually interesting, with p-in-p used extensively, contrasting colour and black and white, and a rhythmic movement throughout. The film is made by the Mongolian News Agency, Montsame, with financial backing from Switzerland.
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to see an album of screenshots click here