Spectrum: Tibetan Thanka 2016

Knitting of Fine Art

This work was begun in November 2016 and focuses on the significance of colour in the creation of motifs on textiles. It involved an investigation into the culture of Tibet in China, with particular emphasis on Thangkas from that region. Thangkas are illustrations of sacred deities, predominantly in dark blues, bluey greens, yellows and oranges, which give them a mysterious and forceful atmosphere. Those colours therefore feature heavily in this work. When I was investigating this culture, I felt unsure and insecure about my own cultural identity, especially when confronted with a range of global cultures. I have attempted to instil enigmatic and potent emotions into the materials to demonstrate my desire to replace my feelings of uncertainty with the authority and aptitude that emanate from the Thangka deities.