Located in the atrium of Wrightwood 659 in Chicago, a captivating three-story installation of colorful prayer flags hangs suspended from above. These vibrant flags in yellow, green, white, red, and blue cascade down, with sculptural horses appearing to gallop mid-air throughout the display.
Each flag’s color symbolizes the five elements and states of mind in Tibetan Buddhism. Yellow represents earth and wisdom, green signifies water and equanimity, white is air and purity, blue embodies space and endurance, and red symbolizes fire and compassion.
Created by Bhutanese artist Asha Kama Wangdi, this monumental installation draws inspiration from the Buddhist tradition of lungta (wind horses). These symbols are believed to carry prayers to the heavens, bringing positive energy and good luck. Wangdi collected worn and tattered flags that had scattered across the landscape, transforming them into a striking art piece that reflects on the intersection of spiritual practice and environmental consciousness.
“The Windhorse” is just one of the many artworks featured in the exhibition “Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now,” curated by Michelle Bennett Simorella from the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art in New York. The show aims to present a contemporary perspective on art from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and other Himalayan regions.
Featuring works by 28 artists, “Reimagine” pairs modern pieces with artifacts from the Rubin’s collection, highlighting the evolution of artistic practices in the region. From New York-based artist Losel Yauch‘s woven horses in “Procession Immemorial” to Shraddha Shrestha’s reinterpretation of Hindu deities as Powerpuff Girls, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of styles and mediums.
Shraddha Shrestha, who grew up in Nepal, uses her art to challenge traditional gender norms and celebrate womanhood. Her vibrant paintings reimagining iconic characters as powerful deities reflect her personal experiences and cultural influences.
The second installment of “Reimagine,” currently on display at Wrightwood 659, offers a fresh perspective on Himalayan art and invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of artistic expression from the region. The exhibition will be open to the public until February 15.
