Artists from Bhutan, Nepal and Sikkim have come together in Gangtok for an international contemporary art exhibition that explores shared Himalayan histories, identities and cultural connections through a diverse range of artistic expressions.
The exhibition, Riwo: Identity and Continuity, opened at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology on Thursday and will run until May 30. Featuring paintings, mixed-media artworks and immersive installations, the showcase examines issues of migration, spirituality, ecology, memory and cultural belonging.
Organisers said the initiative seeks to revive conversations around the historical links that connected Himalayan communities long before modern political boundaries emerged. By drawing attention to old trade routes, cultural exchanges and collective memories, the exhibition presents the region as a space of interaction and continuity.
The exhibition brings together works by Bhutanese collective Yeti Teeth Art, including Selden W. Dorji, Galek Yangzom and Marcos, alongside Nepalese artists Sandesh Gurung and Manoj Rai. Sikkim is represented by Studio Zeyma, Artworkshop, Tsal and artist Tshering.
Displayed works include mineral pigment paintings, ritual-inspired leather creations, spiritual imagery and installations that reflect on urbanisation, folklore and Buddhist thought. Through different mediums, the participating artists offer perspectives on the social, cultural and environmental transformations taking place across the Himalayan landscape.
The project was jointly developed by Yeti Teeth Art and Tsal with support from a network of curators, volunteers and cultural practitioners. Ayushi Nirola assisted with communications and outreach activities, while Sunita served as assistant curator for the exhibition.
Following its Gangtok edition, Riwo: Identity and Continuity is scheduled to travel to Bhutan’s Royal Textile Museum and Nepal’s Patan Museum, extending its mission of strengthening cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration across the Himalayan region.
