National Art Award Recognises Our Featured Artist, Peyma Dee

To celebrate creativity, nurture talent, and support the continued growth of the arts, the National Art Award of Bhutan has recently honoured two outstanding artists, including our featured painter, Pema Dendup (a.k.a. Peyma Dee).

Their paintings stood out among works submitted by 27 artists from across the country. For years, their art spoke quietly through studios and canvases; recently, it finally received national recognition.

After six years of dedicated practice, Pema Dendup was named Artist of the Year 2025 in the adult category. The award recognises his patience, keen observation, and unwavering commitment to artistic exploration. His winning painting, Commander, inspired by Bhutan’s history, earned him a cash prize of Nu 500,000 (USD 5,700).

Born in 1999, Peyma Dee is a self-taught artist based in Thimphu. Although he initially aspired to pursue an academic career, his repeated success in art competitions hinted at a different path. A transformative encounter with a traditional painter ignited his passion for Bhutanese art. Since 2019, art has become his anchor, as he immersed himself in canvas painting and sustained his practice through commissioned work.

Despite completing a degree in Computer Science in 2022, Peyma chose to pursue art as a full-time career. While he initially focused on commissions rather than original pieces, his work has continued to evolve. Blending realism with strong Bhutanese influences, his art reflects both technical skill and cultural depth. Through his journey, Peyma hopes to inspire emerging artists and contribute to a vibrant and thriving creative society in Bhutan.

Explore and purchase Peyma Dee’s artwork at www.inspiredbybhutan.com