Divine Madman - Contemporary Bhutanese Painting

“I HAVE COME WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO HELP YOU, WHERE CAN I FIND THE BEST BOOZE AND MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMEN?”– DRUKPA KUNLEY

Meet the eccentric Buddhist monk, famously known as Drukpa Kunley or The Divine Madman. He's also referred to as "nyomba," a wild yogi who conveyed his teachings through unconventional antics, ribald humour, symbolic acts, songs, and poetry. By skillfully harnessing people's emotions, neuroses, and sexuality, this tantric yogi employed "crazy wisdom" to awaken their inner Buddha-nature.

This artwork draws its inspiration from a sculpture created by a talented Bhutanese artist, entirely handcrafted on a granite rock.

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.