Sangye Tsering speaks at the exhibition venue at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto on Oct 6 with his thangka paintings in the background.

A master of the art of thangka says it is "not only the heritage of China but also that of the world".

Sangye Tsering recently concluded a thangka art exhibition in Toronto on Oct 6. The show, his first in Canada, featured more than 50 thangka paintings.

The 36-year-old artist is from the Regong region in Northwest China's Qinghai province and is one of the youngest inheritors of thangka art in China.

At the exhibition, he was awarded Cultural Ambassador of Chinese Culture by the Artists Association of Canada for his contribution to sharing and passing on Chinese culture on the international stage.

Thangka is a unique form of painting in Tibetan culture. The pigments used are precious minerals and plants such as saffron, which are not only colorful but can be maintained for hundreds of years.

"This is my life's work, my mission," Sangye Tsering told China Daily. "Thangka is not just about technique; its spirit has long been integrated into my life."

At the age of 8, Sangye Tsering became a disciple of Master Xiawu Cairang, a respected thangka artist and disciple of the famous Chinese painter Zhang Daqian. From his mentor, Sangye Tsering learned the importance of mastering technique and spiritual depth.

"My teacher always said that if you want to create great art, you must master the traditions and classics first," said Sangye Tsering. "He told me that innovation can only come from a solid foundation of tradition. Unless you first understand and respect the tradition, you cannot innovate."

Learning for others

Sangye Tsering said that studying different artistic styles and cultures, such as ancient Egypt, Greek and Roman painting, has enriched his artistry.

By comparing the techniques and concepts of different genres, he said he has been able to better understand the uniqueness of thangka art and build upon it.

"For example, the early introduction of Buddhism into Tibet was not only a spread of religion but also an exchange and fusion of different cultures," he said. Such exchanges enabled thangka art to absorb and integrate various cultural elements and form a unique artistic style.

Sangye Tsering is also committed to the training of the next generation of thangka artists, as he said it's getting more difficult to find young people who want to embrace the challenging art.

"Thangka is not just an art form, it's a way of life," he said. "Through it, we can bring truth, goodness and beauty, which is the essence of what I wish to share with the world.

"I believe that when people see the beauty in a thangka, they see something deeper than just a painting."

gaoyang@chinadailyusa.com