The International Art Museum of America (IAMA) proudly unveils its special exhibition, Experience the Power of Thangka. From December 3, 2025, through January 3, 2026, visitors are invited to step into the profound world of Tibetan Thangka art, where spiritual energy and visual splendor converge. This landmark exhibition offers a rare chance to witness masterpieces of extraordinary craftsmanship and cultural depth in the tradition of Thangka art in the United States. Admission is free, welcoming art enthusiasts, collectors, and the wider public to share in this celebration of sacred artistry.
Curator Tony Liang (fifth from left) with IAMA President KC Hsieh (fourth from right), joined by guests and visitors. Photo Credit: IAMA
The exhibition showcases a remarkable assembly of twenty-nine full-sized Thangkas and 204 miniature works, offering a sweeping view of the breadth and depth of this sacred art form. Another highlighted work in the collection is Four‑Armed Avalokiteshvara (四臂觀音), created over eight months by National Master Tashi Jian Cuo (扎西尖措). The piece employs a central composition and is a representative masterpiece of the Menri (勉唐) painting tradition. Rendered with pure gold and composed in the traditional central layout, the piece exudes solemnity and balance, standing as a treasure of exceptional artistic and collectible value. Another highlight of the exhibition is the Menri School Treasury King (財寶天王) by Huadan Cairang (華旦才讓), inheritor of the Rebgong (熱貢) Thangka tradition in Qinghai. A particularly notable aspect of the exhibition is the debut of over 200 miniature Menri School Thangkas, displayed publicly in the United States for the first time. These works were meticulously painted by artists of the Qinghai Longshu Art Studio, trained under Tashi Jian Cuo (扎西尖措), and reflect both the continuity and the contemporary innovation of Thangka art.
The exhibition showcases 204 miniature Thangka works, offering a sweeping view of the breadth and depth of this sacred art form. Photo Credit: David Huang, Sing Tao Daily
Visitors will also encounter nine Karma Gadri School (嘎瑪嘎孜派) Thangkas depicting the Original Portrait of Shakyamuni Buddha by Provincial Master Wamu Dangzhou (哇么當周), alongside five striking red-gold Thangkas from Beijing’s Yonghe Temple. The exhibition further presents works by Xianjia Li (李先加), disciple of master Nyangben (娘本), and selected pieces from renowned artists including Genqiu Jiangcun (根秋江村), Rui Wang (王瑞), and Longsa Futang (龍薩福唐).
The exhibition showcases a remarkable assembly of twenty-nine full-sized Thangkas. Photo Credit: IAMA
All of the exhibited Thangkas are created using natural mineral pigments, including gold, red coral, cinnabar, orpiment, lapis lazuli, azurite, malachite, and turquoise. Their vivid colors are known for their durability, capable of lasting for centuries without fading. The creation of a Thangka demands extraordinary discipline; artists undergo more than a decade of rigorous apprenticeship before mastering the intricate techniques, and each piece represents months or even years of devoted labor.
Thangka is often described as sacred scripture painted on cloth, a unique art form that integrates painting, religion, philosophy, and craftsmanship. Thangka embodies the solemnity and wisdom of faith, serving not only as artwork, but also as sacred objects of meditation, devotion, and spiritual guidance. Recognized by the United Nations as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, Thangka continues to inspire reverence and admiration across cultures. This exhibition in San Francisco offers a rare chance to experience Thangka’s extraordinary power firsthand.
Visitors are not only able to admire up closely the masterful brushwork and delicate craftsmanship of Thangka masterpieces, but also are able to gain deeper insight into the creative process and cultural background of Thangka through documentary screenings. Many attendees remarked that within the reverent atmosphere, the intricate artistry of the Thangka works – combined with the vivid documentary – created a powerful impact and profound emotional resonance.
Visitors watching a documentary on a Thangka artist, shown moistening his brush with the tip of his tongue to maintain the softness of each stroke. Photo Credit: IAMA
On December 6, during the exhibition’s reception, Yue Zhang from Novato City in Marin County, California, reflected, “This exhibition allowed me to admire the exquisite Thangka works up closely, while also deepening my appreciation for the artistic value and cultural meaning they carry.”
Yue Zhang of Marin County visited the Thangka exhibition with her family, embracing this rare chance to experience the art firsthand. Photo Credit: IAMA
Located in the heart of San Francisco, IAMA was voted the “Best Art Gallery” and was a finalist as the “Best Museum” in SFGate’s Best of Bay Area 2024. IAMA is dedicated to making world-class art accessible to all through exhibitions, education, and international contests. With a mission to foster peace and happiness through art – especially by fostering youth creativity – IAMA brings together works from around the globe, bridging East and West, classical and contemporary.
Curator Tony Liang offered an on‑site introduction to the exquisite artistry of Thangka and the rarely seen methods used in its making. Photo Credit: IAMA
At the opening reception of Experiencing the Power of Thangka on December 6, Mr. KC Hsieh, President of the Museum, remarked, “The mission of IAMA is to bring the world’s finest art to everyone, and may art serve as a bridge of harmony and blessings across nations.” In his speech, he emphasized that this exhibition marks a significant presentation of Thangka art in the United States, with many pieces being exhibited in the country for the very first time. IAMA extends a sincere invitation to people from all walks of life to visit the Grand Exhibition Hall and experience the extraordinary power and solemn beauty of Thangka art.
Read More:
Sing Tao Daily News: 唐卡特展盡顯藏地藝術文化力量