STAFF REPORTER | Thimphu
58 artworks by 58 artists are the entries for the White Canvas Bhutan Art Competition held at the VAST Bhutan in Thimphu.
Through the support of the Eastern Culture Foundation Japan, Bhutan Acorn Tours and Travel & White Canvas Thailand, VAST Bhutan held the art competition on the 14th of February.
In 2021, during the pandemic- White Canvas Bhutan art competition was held online. Through the competition, White Canvas Thailand in collaboration with VAST Bhutan aims to provide a platform for talented yet undiscovered artists to shine and be launched into the world of art and painting.
The theme for the competition has been kept open, and various artists have expressed themselves through different mediums ranging from topics on endurance, self-discovery to patriotism and spiritualism.
The submission for the artwork began in November last year. The Judges for the competition included The White Canvas, Thailand Jury members who assessed the paintings on 14th February. The result will be announced in March, at the closing of the exhibition, where the top five artworks will be awarded cash prizes in the Adult (18 and above) and Children’s (below 18) categories.
“When such opportunities of collaborations come in, we can do more creative art activities which will bring the artistic communities together to create more. Such activities ignite the colorful part of everyone resulting in creating wondrous works of art. When more adults and kids play with colors and express themselves on a white canvas, the more they can take care of their mental health, which creates a nurturing vibrant society.” said Karma Tenzin Choden, the Gallery Art Director of VAST Bhutan.
Kyoko Abe, an Artist from the Committee of White Canvas Thailand said that the purpose of the project is to empower youth to be creative and unleash their creative energies and also to express themselves through art. “We also want them to be able to sustain themselves and feel good about themselves by engaging in art.”
The artworks were displayed to the public from yesterday.