Contemporary Thangka Painter
Sonam Rinzin was born in Mustang, a Himalayan region of western Nepal. He grew up immersed in Tibetan culture, language, and art, and studied and taught Thangka painting in his home country for 12 years. Sonam has completed many murals and commissions for monasteries and for private clients in Nepal and in New York City.
Most recently, Sonam participated in the Spiral Staircase series at the Rubin Museum in New York City, with a live drawing and music performance.
In 2011 Sonam came to America and settled in Brooklyn NY. He is presently represented at ethan pettit gallery, where he also teaches a weekly class in Thangka drawing and painting. More information can be found at www.sonamrinzin.com
"When I teach Thangka," says Sonam, "I encourage my students to have a free and natural approach to the line. But at the same time, to keep to the basic forms and methods. Thangka painting is a kind of meditation that teaches us how to engage the world with peace and composure."
