THIMPHU: The sky over Bumthang was clear as the Wangduechholing Palace hosted its first exhibition “Echoes of a Kingdom: A Tribute to the Bodhisattva King of Bhutan”. The courtyard set the stage for an event that brought together art, memory and celebration.
Held at the newly opened Wangduechholing Palace Museum and Cultural Centre on Sept 28, the exhibition reflects the museum’s vision to serve as a bridge between Bhutan’s past, present, and future. Once a royal residence, the renovated palace has now become a centre of heritage and creativity, marking its opening with a collaborative art show of national significance.
The exhibition is part of the 70th birth anniversary celebration of former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who reigned from 1972 to 2006 and abdicated the throne in favor of his son, the current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He is revered as a Bodhisattva King (a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so through compassion for suffering beings).
His reign is remembered for compassion, vision and his commitment to Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural roots. His Majesty safeguarded traditions, strengthened cultural life and made environmental protection a cornerstone of Bhutan’s future. His Majesty’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness placed human well-being at the heart of governance.
Speaking at the inauguration, the museum’s executive director, Dr Kuenga Lhendup, said: “This is our very first collaborative art exhibition, and the theme could not be more fitting. As we celebrate the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, we are reminded of a reign that was compassionate, selfless and visionary.
This collaboration represents an important step for the Wangduechholing Palace Museum—it reflects our aspiration to open our doors more widely to art, creativity, and partnerships that honour Bhutan’s heritage while welcoming new ideas.”
The exhibition features the work of Croatian-born artist Tatjana Krizmanic, who spent twelve months creating seventy paintings—one for each year of His Majesty’s life. Known for her use of colour and shifting perspectives, Tatjana transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Rooted in Buddhist practice and meditation, her art carries both playfulness and depth, capturing not only Bhutan’s landscapes and traditions but also its spirit.
Her canvases depict scenes tied to Bhutanese life and His Majesty’s legacy: monks walking at dawn, mountains rising into clouds, cranes returning each winter, and portraits of the King among his people.
“This exhibition is not just a gathering of paintings but also a gathering of stories and inspirations,” Tatjana said. “It is a humble tribute to His Majesty the Fourth King. In every brush stroke, I thought of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.”
The artist donated all seventy paintings to the Wangduechholing Palace Museum and Bhutan Echoes. Valued at about US$200,000, the collection will be sold in a silent auction during the upcoming National Day celebrations, with proceeds supporting the museum’s mission.
With Echoes of a Kingdom, the Wangduechholing Palace Museum has opened as a place where heritage and creativity meet. As the first exhibition of its kind, it honours history while opening new paths for cultural dialogue.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Wangduechholing Palace Museum, Bhutan Echoes and the Bhutan Foundation. – Kuensel/ANN
