Bhutan
The Land Of Serenity
By Matthieu Ricard
Written by Joelcy Kay
Editor & Curator of Edge of Humanity Magazine
Curator of NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY
Peaceful landscape photographs found in ‘The Land of Serenity’ (the book’s first chapter) pave the path for this calm depiction of life in Bhutan. The chapter is also composed of village life images. My favorite is a photograph of two men dressed in reddish robes between prayer flags (pp.24 & 25).
The Tiger’s Lair (the book’s second chapter) is about temples. The fog surrounding the mountain as well as the incredible location of these temples provides a surreal vibe to the landscape photographs; the interior shots are vibrant, and in these places one can easily reach a state of contemplation. Images taken in the 1980s and 2000s.
Intimate colorful portraits of Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche dating back from the 1980s accompanied by a text about his life can be found in the ‘A Spiritual Master’ chapter. Traditional ceremonies, and gatherings for teaching and reading also appear here.
Confusing for the eye is the architectural shot of the Kuje temple on page 105 in the ‘Architecture: A Spiritual Dimension’ chapter. Interesting depiction as the viewer must rescan the picture in order to assure orientation which refreshes the palate in the process. This chapter depicts Bhutan’s unique architecture, buildings on enchanting landscape, as if they were there for eternity.
In the mix of images from ancient Buddhist art are environmental portraits of contemporary artists and craftsmen recreating these treasures from the past. The weaver in page 143 (ch. Sacred Art) is my favorite; this environmental portrait depicts a woman working her traditional wooden loom and the surroundings are full of light and life.
‘Dancing Monks’ is the next chapter. These vibrant images depicting festivals, dances and ceremonies from 2007; they emit energy and culture. Loaded with dancing masks, my favorite (must bring it home) artifact. The tight close-ups of these masks makes the artifact collector inside me salivate a bit.
Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche is featured again in ‘The Great Accomplishment Ceremony’ chapter showcasing ceremonies from the 1980s.
A dramatic presentation can be found on two very dark (black, fire and red) photographs taken in Paro Kyichu, 1982, my absolute favorites.
Also included in this chapter are images of ceremonies from 2005 to 2007.
Offerings Of Fire And Light; the last chapter in the book also includes Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche ceremonial images from the 1980s, but they take place outside on open land in a vast landscape. These sky and land combinations give the ceremonies another dimension.
Ceremonial images from the 2000s are also included.
This is a book one can enjoy and relax while flipping its pages. I recommend it to anyone interested in Bhutan, Buddhism (ceremonies, art, monasteries, temples and daily life), South Asia , the Himalayan, landscape, travel, Eastern philosophy and travel. Enjoy!
For book specifics see amazon.com below
Bhutan: The Land of Serenity
Are you looking to have a published review of your Photo Book?
Edge of Humanity Magazine’s curator is now reviewing photo books.
Joelcy Kay (the curator of
Edge of Humanity Magazine and the
NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY) has written many reviews for books in the
Edge of Humanity Magazine’s Photography Book Collection and now she is available to write yours.
Here are some of her book recommendations:
Curse Of The Black Gold
50 Years Of Oil In The Niger Delta
Photographs By Ed Kashi
Edited By Michael Watts
Photography Book Recommendation
By Edge of Humanity Magazine
Living Faith
Inside the Muslim World of Southeast Asia
By Steve Raymer
Photography Book Recommendation
By Edge of Humanity Magazine
Under A Grudging Sun
By Alex Webb
Photography Book Recommendation
By Edge of Humanity Magazine
Ethiopia
Peoples Of The Omo Valley
By Hans Silvester
Photography Book Recommendation
By Edge of Humanity Magazine
Quarries
By Edward Burtynsky
Photography Book Recommendation By Edge
of Humanity Magazine
Figments From The Real World
By Garry Winogrand
Photography Book Recommendation
By Edge of Humanity Magazine
You can choose to have your (Photography Book Recommendation By Edge Of Humanity Magazine) published on the Edge of Humanity Magazine or at the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY Visual ART Blog. For more information on this new service please email Joelcy at jo@edgeofhumanity.com .
The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is an
Edge of Humanity Magazine project.
ABOUT
The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is designed to connect art seekers and collectors with artists DIRECTLY. The gallery is not a mall, but instead a collection of remarkable works of art that bring together artists and potential buyers.
Following Edge of Humanity Magazine‘s footsteps of publishing unparalleled content from artists and photographers worldwide, the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY is on a mission to provide it’s viewers art that is unique and diverse.
OUR CONCEPT
Written By Joelcy Kay – Curator
Every piece of art, crafts, or textiles, hanging on my walls or ceiling tells a tiny passage of my life. Most of it was acquired during my travels. Many of these treasures are damaged whether because they were broken on arrival, as the pieces were tightly stuffed into my backpack, or weathered by the unforgiving Florida tropical humidity. But in the end, they are my precious processions and they are part of the stories I tell. It feels good to have rugs hanging from the ceiling, masks on the walls, and drinking my morning coffee thinking of the mugs’ tale. The point here is that art has a lot to offer each one of us; ART IS VERY PERSONAL!
The NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY offers that personal experience as the individual has the opportunity to buy the art from the creator and by doing so a new event to remember is born. When you hang the work of art on your wall there is a story behind it; an artist you now know and follow. And instead of the usual “I purchased this at “WWW(BIG BIG ART STORE).COM” the connection enriches the emotional value of your art piece.
WHY DISPLAY YOUR ART AT THE NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY?
The gallery is designed to connect the art seekers and collectors with artists directly. We offer artists a COMMISSION FREE / CONTRACT FREE online platform to sell their creations and engage with their clients using portfolio pages that are engaging with large images and a dramatic black background.
NO MIDDLEMAN is a boutique ART GALLERY; individuals browsing our archives and portfolio pages are relaxed, not pressured to sign up, agree with website terms, or maneuvering out of pop-up windows.
For details regarding participating in the NO MIDDLEMAN ART GALLERY please contact Joelcy Kay the curator at jo@edgeofhumanity.com.
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