Rinzin Dorji

Born 1984, from Lhuentse

My name is Rinzin Dorji, but people know me as Dotshon Dorji (Dotshon meaning mineral colours). The art of painting murals and frescoes with pigments has been passed down from my great- grandfather’s generation. I studied at the School of Thirteen Traditional Arts for six years and worked closely with the master painters when I realised it was challenging to find natural colours and we had to depend on imports. Now I am reviving the tradition of using minerals found locally in the hope to preserve our culture. In 2021, I was awarded the “Seal of Excellence” for the quality of my thangka (scroll). I also received the Brand Bhutan 2022 award. Currently, I am in the process of creating 100% Bhutanese made thangkas with natural nettle fibre canvas. The murals in Bhutan show important features of the natural pigment because it lasts long and offers a unique colour.