Pride in thangka tradition motivates artist

"Each step — drafting, coloring, shading, adding gold lines and drawing fine details — tests the artist's skill. The artist has to keep learning all the time: studying Buddhist culture, understanding the deeper meaning and putting real heart into thangka," Niangben said. "We need to continue to refine our artistry and keep learning."

Thangka is also considered a spiritual practice of Buddhism and a historical representation of the religion.

"This thangka art form has over 2,000 years of history in Tibetan and Buddhist-related culture. It is a heritage. … Thangka itself is an art form that originated in Buddhism as a way to represent faith. The core message is to be kind to others, to do one's best to help others," he said.

Niangben said that his faith has been his reason for persevering all these years — not only his dedication to Buddhism but also his commitment to introducing this niche form of traditional Chinese and ethnic art to more people.

He traveled to Chengdu, Sichuan province, from 1995 to 1997 to deepen his understanding of traditional Chinese gongbi painting techniques. He said he believed that thangka holds great potential for creativity, capable of portraying everything from astronomy to geography, bridging ancient and modern themes.

In July 2008, to celebrate the successful hosting of the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, Niangben created three paintings of the Fuwa mascots, later collected by the Beijing Olympic Committee.

In 2009, he painted two works, Princess Wencheng's Journey to Tibet, symbolizing unity between Han and Tibetan peoples, and The Founding Ceremony, celebrating the establishment of the People's Republic of China, both donated to the State Council.

In November 2009, he created The Tenth Anniversary of Macao's Return to China, which he donated to the Macao Special Administrative Region. Niangben received the first Chinese Youth Arts Award in December 2011 and, in January 2013 earned the title of Chinese Master of Arts and Crafts.

"Our Chinese nation is home to 56 ethnic groups, each with its rich cultural heritage. As an artist from a minority region, creating works with such themes fills me with pride," he said. "These pieces reflect the harmony and unity among our 56 ethnic groups, and anyone who sees them feels a deep connection."

Promoting thangka art overseas is difficult, Niangben said, but his passion for sharing its beauty keeps him motivated.

"It's my responsibility, and I hope this culture of Tibet can be preserved by more artists like me," Niangben said. "Art knows no borders, and this painting technique is truly rare. We hope that thangka art can be appreciated and loved by more people in the US and the world."