The Art of

​Yeshi Dorjee is a distinguished multidisciplinary artist whose work harmoniously blends traditional Tibetan Buddhist art forms with contemporary techniques. Born in Bhutan to Tibetan parents, he has cultivated a profound connection to his cultural heritage, which deeply influences his artistic vision. ​ 

Education and Training

Yeshi’s artistic journey is rooted in rigorous training in Buddhist philosophy and spiritual art. He completed his final examination in 1996 at the Gyudmed Tantric University Monastic in South India, where he later taught logic and Middle Way classes from 1991 to 1997. ​ 

Artistic Practice and Philosophy

Yeshi’s body of work encompasses painting, mixed media, and installation art, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the passage of time. Deeply inspired by Tibetan Buddhist traditions, he integrates the spiritual depth of Thangka art into his creations. He perceives art as “a whispered secret between souls, a language that transcends words and time,” with his intricate compositions serving as visual scriptures that educate, preserve cultural heritage, and provide meditative focus.

Digital Innovation in Thangka Art

Pioneering a new frontier in digital artistry, Yeshi has reimagined the ancient tradition of Thangka painting by harnessing computer technology. By meticulously adhering to time-honored guidelines, he has developed a digital Thangka-making process that produces beautiful, culturally resonant works. This innovative approach not only respects traditional practices but also expands the expressive potential of modern art.​

Exhibitions and Lectures

Yeshi’s dynamic portfolio has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions, reflecting his commitment to pushing creative boundaries and engaging audiences across generations. Notable exhibitions and lectures include:​

• 1999: Two artworks displayed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.​ 
• 2000: Invited by the Smithsonian Museum for the “Culture Beyond the Snow Land” exhibition, attracting approximately one million visitors.​ 
• 2002: Presented his work and taught at the Smithsonian’s Silk Road Festival, which drew 1.2 million visitors.​ 
• 2003: Exhibited at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on two occasions.​ 
• 2004: Delivered lectures on the meaning of spiritual art and its relation to Tibetan life to the Docent Council at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, CA.​ 

Teaching Experience

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Yeshi has contributed to the dissemination of Tibetan art and philosophy through teaching:​

• 1994: Served as a visiting teacher at the Tibetan Temple, a Buddhist center in Longueuil, Canada, for two months.​ 
• 1996: Acted as a guest lecturer at Seifu Gaukon High School in Osaka, Japan, for two months.​ 
• 2008-2014: Conducted Tibetan art and meditation classes for students at the University of California, Santa Barbara, funded by the Rubin Foundation in New York City.​ 

Currently Yeshi is collaborating with a NYC based new media artist duo Ori Carino and Mehow Skalski. By combining their unique abilities and employing new technologies they aim to create unique ground breaking artworks. Creating a contemporary path for Himalayan art, which not only honors artistic heritage and scholarly accuracy, but also reaches contemporary audiences in engaging new ways.
Yeshi Dorjee’s lifelong dedication to art and education continues to inspire and influence the appreciation of Tibetan culture and spiritual art worldwide