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Gonkar Gyatso — Shambala of Modern Times
Gonkar Gyatso

Shambala of Modern Times

2009

Gonkar Gyatso's *Shambala of Modern Times* is a vibrant quadriptych that merges Tibetan Buddhist iconography with the visual language of contemporary consumer culture, rendered through a sophisticated combination of giclée printing, silkscreen, and gold and silver leaf on paper. The work reimagines the mythical utopian kingdom of Shambala within the context of modern life, populating its sacred space with brand logos, pop culture imagery, and mass-media symbols. The lavish application of gold and silver leaf evokes traditional Himalayan thangka painting, creating a tension between spiritual transcendence and the seductive materialism of the modern world.

Medium
Giclée and silkscreen with gold and silver leaf on paper, quadriptych

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December 7, 2017

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About this work

Gonkar Gyatso, Shambala of Modern Times, 2009

Gonkar Gyatso's *Shambala of Modern Times* is a vibrant quadriptych that merges Tibetan Buddhist iconography with the visual language of contemporary consumer culture, rendered through a sophisticated combination of giclée printing, silkscreen, and gold and silver leaf on paper. The work reimagines the mythical utopian kingdom of Shambala within the context of modern life, populating its sacred space with brand logos, pop culture imagery, and mass-media symbols. The lavish application of gold and silver leaf evokes traditional Himalayan thangka painting, creating a tension between spiritual transcendence and the seductive materialism of the modern world.

Medium
Giclée and silkscreen with gold and silver leaf on paper, quadriptych
Year
2009
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Male Artist, Mixed Media, Emerging Artist, Printmaking, Pop Art Influence, Gold And Silver Leaf, Giclée Print, Quadriptych, Contemporary Art, Buddhist imagery, Silkscreen Print, Diaspora Artist, Spiritual Themes, Vibrant Colors, Diaspora Art, Quadriptych Format, Buddhist Iconography, Cultural Identity, Tibetan Artist

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