Black Hat Dancer - Contemporary Bhutanese Painting

The Black Hat dance is an enactment of one of the most esoteric and powerful practices of Vajrayāna Buddhism. The black hat dancer represents a master of tantric or Vajrayāna Buddhism who has the spiritual power to subjugate a demonic force and transform the negative energy into a positive one.

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.