Explore Tibetan art in galleries and museums around New York City!
Introduction
Tibetan art is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism exclusively. A lot of what we call Tibetan art portrays figures of Buddha in painting or sculpture form as well as depicting person-like, mythical creatures that are somewhat related to the religion. While most western art focuses on the illustration to depict their narrative, Tibetan art goes beyond the realms of illustration and touches on abstract figures and forms to give a sense of reality to the artwork. One specific example would be the mandalas, which are Buddha figures or figurines that play an important role in the religious practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Upon entering a Tibetan Buddhist temple or shrine, one would be able to recognize a good number of mandalas, which are a Tibetan Buddhist equivalent to the image of Jesus or Mary in religious places in the Western world. It was a form that embodied a sacred process, spiritual transformation, and enlightenment, and served as a key figure to figuring out the order of ultimate reality and the hidden truth. Other than the mandalas, most of the religious artworks that still remain today are in the forms of paintings on cloth, wall paintings, and statues in bronze, clay, or wood.
Although Tibetan art is commonly a form of abstract art that is not expressionistic. Tibetan art uses a lot of common symbols for different religious meanings, which include different colors or gestures for different types of deities. For example, mudra is a hand gesture that symbolizes particular actions or attitudes that derives from the Hindu tradition and is prevalent in Tibetan artworks. One specific mudra, a lowered arm with an open palm held outward, symbolizes generosity or charity. Asana refers to the symbolic body gestures, with an example of a bent left leg at the knee and right leg thrust to the side, representing an angry deity. These wrathful figures are commonly seen in artworks influenced by Tantric Buddhism, in which the anger of the deities represents the devotion to preventing corruption or disruption in their religious practice.
The contemporary arts of modern Tibet diverted the theme of their artworks and focused more on political and religious arts. With the political situation between Tibet and China, more artists try to portray their own thoughts and voices through more radical forms of art.
Museums and Galleries
Scroll through the page to find information about different galleries and museums.
Rubin Museum of Art
The Rubin Museum of Art is a dynamic environment that stimulates learning, promotes understanding, and inspires personal connections to the ideas, cultures, and art of Himalayan regions.
Admission
Adults – $19 / Students – $14
Plan your visit here.
Tibet House US
Tibet House US is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on its own soil. By presenting Tibetan civilization and its profound wisdom, beauty, and special art of freedom to the people of the world, it hopes to inspire others to join the effort to protect and save it.
Admission
free ($5.00 suggested donation)
Plan your visit here.
The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is a museum located on residential Lighthouse Hill in Egbertville, Staten Island, New York City. It is home to one of the United States’ most extensive collections of Himalayan artifacts.
Admission
Adults – $6 / Students – $4
Plan your visit here.
Tibet in NYC 