jackiehadel1

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN: SACRED BUDDHIST MONUMENT (A CHORTEN)

A chorten (stupa). In Bhutan, these are sacred Buddhist monuments designed for meditation, reverence, and as symbols of the enlightened mind of the Buddha.When there are no prayer wheels, (because usually there are, if it’s a bigger chorten) the focus shifts entirely to the spiritual energy emanating from the structure itself, particularly through the imagery of Buddhas or deities. So, the…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN: BHUTANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP AT THE BUDDHA DORDENMA

At the site of the Buddha Dordenma, traditonal Bhutanese art and iconography are highlighted. They feature intricate designs, often with religious themes, such as depictions of deities, mandalas, and other Buddhist symbols. These designs are typically hand-painted or carved onto the surfaces, showcasing the skill and artistry of Bhutanese craftsmen. And the Druk, (the dragon, of course.) 10Nov24

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN GRAFFITI: DEFIANT CRY

Thimphu’s walls whisper of rebellion, of a youth longing to express itself. Graffiti, the human spirit’s eternal quest for expression. It simmers beneath the surface here, a dormant volcano waiting to erupt, a silent protest against the mundane, a defiant cry for individuality. November 2024

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN ART: DRAGONS

Dragons on the front of the National Stadium’s Front Gate in Thimphu, Bhutan. In Bhutan, the dragon, or druk, is a mythical animal that symbolizes the country’s culture, monarchy, and mythology. It is often painted on houses and public buildings. It is also featured prominently on the national flag. The dragon represents many things, including: The name of the country: Bhutan is known as Druk…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN: ATSARA (A CLOWN, NOT A CLOWN)

An Atsara at Royal Thimphu College’s International Festival on October 30, 2024. I’ve had to do some research on what exactly an Atsara is. Ok, right off the bat, they ARE clowns, like jesters, BUT they are also spiritual teachers, storytellers, and masters of ceremonies of special events. The blood red mask, which symbolizes burning passion, is set with a perpetual grin and something swinging…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN: THE DURGA MANDIR

In the heart of Thimphu, the Durga Mandir, a sanctuary honoring Durga Mata—the goddess of strength and protection. Built to celebrate her victory over darkness, the temple is a space of devotion for Bhutan’s Hindu community. It is the very first Hindu temple 🛕 built in Thimphu. Around 22.5% of Bhutan’s population is Hindu.Surrounded by mountains, I stumbled across this site as I was making my way…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN: BUDDHA DORDENMA STATUE

Atop a mountain overlooking Thimphu, the Buddha Dordenma Statue stands serene, golden and watchful, like a guardian of the valley. Towering at 169 feet, (some say 177 feet) this is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, radiating peace across the mountains. Inside, 125,000 smaller Buddhas rest—each a symbol of compassion, each a reminder to find stillness within. Unfortunately, you…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN: NOT CONVINCED

Post-election blues. The streets of Thimphu yesterday. I walked around with a hollowness, felt like I couldn’t find my center, lost my ability to make decisions, no desire to purchase the things I had come to town for…felt so alone and far away from my country and my people and this expressionless demeanor created by the utter numbness that took over me…and the only thing that could remotely…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN ART: BUDDHA IN MIDNIGHT BLUE

In Bhutan, I have found that the depiction of Buddha in art holds profound spiritual and cultural significance, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. Buddhism is central to Bhutanese identity, and images of Buddha in various art forms—such as paintings like this—are more than mere representations. They serve as visual guides to spiritual enlightenment, reminding the Bhutanese of…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN STREET ART: STRAW HAT LUFFY

Monkey D. Luffy also known as “Straw Hat” Luffy. OCTOBER 2004

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN GRAFFITI: A KICK TO THE IMAGE

Bhutan, the ‘Land of Happiness’—but here, in the shadows, graffiti tells another story. Scrawled on hidden, and not so hidden, walls, the words are raw, profane, a kick to the idyllic image the world holds. Drugs, anger, a kind of desperate freedom spelled out with black markers. It’s not the Bhutan they show you, but it’s real, it exists. A clash between the serene and the street—like finding…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN STREET ART: PEACE FRIENDS by MOXKSH

1sep2024 Downtown Thimphu

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN STREET ART: YIN & YANG

The tiger and dragon are ancient symbols of yin and yang, forces that combine to make up the universe. You see them painted on many residential and commercial buildings in Bhutan. August 2024

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN STREET ART: MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

July 2024

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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK STREET ART: GLIDE LIKE A POET by CALICHO ART

…owls glide like poets, echoing the soul’s restless journey. Ancient sentinels of the shadows, they embody the timeless quest for freedom and the mysteries of the unknown… 🦉👨‍🎨 @calichoartLES-NYC8july24

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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK STREET ART: GRANDMASTER FLASH by COSA V & SENONE ORIGINAL

Freeman Alley, Lower East Side 8july24

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NEW YORK CITY (EAST VILLAGE,) NEW YORK STREET ART: WHERE DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT by SENK ONE & MUEBON

…where dreams take flight and reality drifts on wings of whimsy.

👨‍🎨 👨‍🎨 @senkoeone and Thailand-based @mue_bon, one of my absolute fave street artists ✌️ …where dreams take flight and reality drifts on wings of whimsy. 🕊️✨ 8JULY24, First Street Green Park