The Old Door - Contemporary Bhutanese Painting

"I spent a lot of time painting the doors and windows of this old traditional house in Thimphu. It used to be small, surrounded by tall buildings, but now it's gone. It's sad to see it disappear among all the changes. This endures as a piece of history captured in art."

Pema Gyeltshen was born in 1983 in Trashigang, Bhutan. His artistic journey began in his youth when he frequently doodled in school notebooks instead of focusing on lessons. In 1998, he joined the Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu (VAST Bhutan), laying the foundation for his career as an artist.

After high school, he faced a challenging period of substance abuse and aimless wandering but had a transformative realization. He made a resolute U-turn, gained practical work experience, and honed his character.

In 2012, Pema committed fully to art, overcoming numerous challenges. He now concentrates on creating art, participating in exhibitions, and sharing his work globally, successfully selling his artworks both within and beyond Bhutan. CLICK for more information on him and contemporary art in Bhutan.