Exhibition of Tibetan paintings a celebration of colors

The rich culture and scenery of Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region has for long inspired artists to create. In return, they also help diversify Tibet's art landscape by introducing different approaches.

Since the 1980s, a group of painters, both from and outside Tibet, has developed a new style of painting on cloth with vivid colors. It incorporates elements from traditional thangka art, the fresco and the meticulous gongbi genre of classic Chinese ink painting, as well as the realistic approach of Western oil painting.

Auspicious Clouds over Snowy Land, an exhibition now on at the National Art Museum of China through Aug 25, shows 54 paintings in this distinctive style. Not only is it a celebration of colors and techniques but also, it marks the 60th anniversary since the launch of democratic reform in Tibet this year.

The bulk of paintings on show will be among the first collection of works at the Tibet Autonomous Region Art Museum, which is under construction.