Thangka masters modernize ancient art

Sherab Nyima, a thangka master and the founder of the county's Demar Art Heritage Cooperative, said he has painted thangka for more than 20 years and wanted to enrich the art by bringing in modern elements.

"Traditionally, Tibetan artists paint the thangka as a culture preservation practice and a religious belief. But today, more artists also regard the practice as a way to generate income," Sherab Nyima said.

He said artists in Gojo county mainly practice the Mansar style of Tibetan thangka painting, which originated in the 17th century.

"We want to keep the traditional painting as a soul, and we want to expand the art among rich people, tourists and government officials," he said, adding that orders in the past have usually come from Tibetans.

"We want people from all over the world to know the art, and we hope they will preserve it and pass it down to future generations."