The Brussels-based exhibition by Bhutan has the theme of ‘healing with happiness’ and will run until 31 March. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) has announced that Bhutan has inaugurated its largest-ever overseas art exhibition in Brussels, Belgium. The exhibition, organized VAST Bhutan (Voluntary Artists Studio of Thimphu) in partnership with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels and the Belfius Bank, has the theme of “Healing With Happiness.” This is the largest overseas exhibition of Bhutanese artworks to date and has been put together by 68 Artists from Bhutan.
The exhibition is open for public viewing at the Belfius Bank, Rue de La Loi 82, 1040 Brussels (0900 – 1700 hrs, Monday – Friday) until the end of March 2023. Ambassador Tshering Gyaltshen Penjor, at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels, said: “The opening of the exhibition in Brussels commemorating the Royal Wedding Anniversary is a befitting tribute to His Majesty’s profound vision for ‘art to touch people’s lives’. We are happy to be able to provide a platform for artists from Bhutan to showcase their work and we hope that this exhibition will help increase the visibility of Bhutanese art and Artists. The Embassy appreciates the enthusiasm expressed by VAST Bhutan in commissioning this exhibition.”
Asha Kama, the VAST Bhutan Founder and Curator of the exhibition, added: “The theme ‘Healing for Happiness’ is inspired by the innate Bhutanese sense of optimism and strength, which is also reflected by Bhutanese art. We invoke blessings for good fortune to imbue all our best intended and greatest endeavors. Bhutanese art, too, emerges from this sensibility. Traditional paintings and motifs signify auspiciousness and goodness, meant to bring healing wherever they are placed.”
The Royal Bhutanese Embassy (RBE) in Belgium has scheduled several curated exhibition events, mainly at the Belfius Bank and at the Ambassador’s Residence, to enable deeper engagement with the exhibition team, artists, patrons and collectors and to gain insights into the artworks. The Exhibition Director, Chimi Zangmo said that the efforts made by RBE Brusselsin organizing several events shows the commitment to build ecosystems and empower Bhutanese talents, as the country proceedsto an era of Bhutan thriving on innovation, creativity, and high value, in line with its recently launched new tourism strategy.
The VAST Bhutan exhibition team expressed their profound gratitude to Their Majestiesfor Their constant guidance and support for Bhutan’s art and artists in general, and for the invaluable support granted for this exhibition in particular. The team also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the RBE Brussels team for the support rendered in executing the exhibition in Brussels, as well as to the Loden Foundation, Bhutan Foundation and many private individuals for their gracious support.
“We are blessed to receive so much love and support and this platform at an international level, which opens up opportunities for us artists. Now it is on us to express and create more,” said Pem Lham, one of the artists on the exhibition team.
The opening Reception on 5 October was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations in Brussels, and officials from the Federal Government Agencies of Belgium and the European Union. A special reception will be held on October 13, 2022, which will be attended by friends of Bhutan and supporters of VAST Bhutan.
The exhibition follows the launch of Bhutan’s new national brand, which was unveiled to celebrate the reopening of the country to tourism on September 23, 2022. ‘Brand Bhutan’ aims to capture the optimism and renewed ambition of the kingdom as it opens its doors to guests once again, as well as communicating its promise and plans for its young citizens. Bhutan’s new tagline, Believe, reflects this determined focus on the future, as well as the transformative journeys experienced by its guests. More information can be found at the new website.
The Exhibition team for “Healing for Happiness” invites all Bhutanese, friends of Bhutan, art lovers and those interested in Bhutan or simply healing art, to visit the exhibition, and to spread the word.
