Artist Interview—Tenzing Rigdol Commission-Mandalas | Met Exhibitions

Summary

Tenzing Rigdol, a contemporary artist, explores the profound concept of mandalas and tantra in his art. His installation, 'Biography of a Thought,' reflects on the mind's workings through a series of four paintings. Each piece delves into themes of self-awareness, karma, human conflict, and inner calm. Inspired by cultural and spiritual traditions, Rigdol emphasizes interdependence and compassion while encouraging viewers to reflect on their thoughts. His work merges traditional techniques with modern events, inviting audiences into a deep meditation on the nature of existence and enlightenment.

Takeaways

• 🔵 Mandala is a Sanskrit concept meaning 'complete circle,' often used to represent theories about the mind.
• 🖼️ Tenzing Rigdol's artwork, particularly his mandala paintings, allows viewers to metaphorically enter his mind.
• 🧘 Tantra emphasizes calming the mind, understanding the self, and spreading love and compassion.
• 🎨 Rigdol incorporates over 50 different shades of blue in his work, symbolizing calm and coldness.
• 🖌️ The artwork 'Biography of a Thought' reflects his interpretation of Tantra, exploring how thoughts form and interact.
• 🧠 The second panel of the work explores the chaos created by unstable minds, referencing events like Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and gun violence.
• 💡 The third panel introduces stability, symbolized by a half-male, half-female figure, and discusses human commonality.
• 🌍 The fourth panel focuses on calmness, symbolizing thoughts as clouds settling into a clearer sky of awareness.
• 👐 Rigdol integrates symbolic elements like American Sign Language and Braille to make his art inclusive and multilayered.
• 🌟 Rigdol’s mandala is a reflection of the interconnectedness of life, inspired by Buddha’s enlightenment and the interdependence of all things.

Q & A

What is the significance of the mandala in Tenzing Rigdol's work?

The mandala represents a complete circle and serves as a metaphor for understanding the mind. Tenzing Rigdol uses it to symbolize the workings of his thoughts and invites viewers to enter his mind through the artwork.

How does Tenzing Rigdol describe the connection between Tantra and his art?

Rigdol sees Tantra as central to his cultural practice, focusing on calming the mind, understanding oneself, and spreading compassion. His work explores the nuances of thoughts and how they shape human experiences.

What are the primary locations where Tenzing Rigdol works, and how do they influence his art?

Rigdol splits his time between New York and Nepal. Nepal’s calm atmosphere and rich tantric sites deeply influence his art, while New York is where much of his composition and conceptual work takes place.

What message does Rigdol convey in the first panel of 'Biography of a Thought'?

The first panel introduces the principles of Tantra, focusing on calming the mind and understanding the self. It also reflects Rigdol’s journey of learning and the influence of karma, showing the impact of our actions on the world.

How does Rigdol integrate historical and contemporary events in his artwork?

Rigdol addresses historical tragedies like Hiroshima and Nagasaki and contemporary issues such as the George Floyd incident and gun violence. These events symbolize the consequences of an unstable mind creating an unstable world.

What role does the concept of interdependence play in Rigdol's mandala?

Interdependence is central to Rigdol’s mandala. He illustrates the interconnectedness of all beings, drawing from Buddhist teachings that emphasize seeing the world as a web of connections, as Buddha did upon enlightenment.

How does Tenzing Rigdol use metaphors in his artwork?

Rigdol embeds various metaphors, such as clouds representing thoughts or hands symbolizing deities and American Sign Language. These metaphors invite viewers to interpret layers of meaning within the artwork.

What does Rigdol mean by the phrase 'Biography of a Thought'?

The title 'Biography of a Thought' represents the journey and evolution of thoughts within the mind. The artwork explores the progression from chaotic thinking to a calm, reflective state.

How does Rigdol address the issue of technology in his art?

Rigdol critiques the overuse of technology, like smartphones, which drain attention from meaningful contemplation. He references figures like whistleblowers who expose truths but whose messages get lost in the noise of modern technology.

What is the significance of Rigdol’s use of different languages and symbols in his paintings?

Rigdol incorporates Braille, American Sign Language, and visual symbols to make his art more inclusive and thought-provoking. These elements encourage viewers to engage deeply and decipher hidden messages within the artwork.