Sonoma Valley Museum of Art presents ‘Tsherin Sherpa’

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art presents “Tsherin Sherpa: Different Worlds,” featuring the work of Nepal-born artist Tsherin Sherpa, running from Jan. 20 to April 28.

The museum will host an opening reception featuring the artist from 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 27.

Tsherin was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, and emigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1998. His work reflects his personal experiences with the Himalayan Diaspora and his training as a Thangka painter, which is traditional Buddhist art.

The globally renowned artist creates captivating paintings with unique combinations of color and designs.

Following his move to the United States, Tsherin came across new artistic influences that led him to develop his own style of blending his traditional upbringing in Nepal with contemporary perspectives.

“Tsherin Sherpa's work is an extraordinary synthesis of traditional Himalayan culture and practices and cutting-edge contemporary art, which makes for a unique and inspiring exhibition,” said Linda Keaton, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art executive director.

“His work bridges continents and cultures. We hope the Bay Area community enjoys this very special opportunity to experience the work of this globally renowned artist.”

The Monterey Museum of Art organized the exhibition. Along with the opening reception on Jan. 27, its programming includes a film screening of “Above and Below: The Art of Tsherin Sherpa” with an artist Q&A from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 3.

Keaton will host the screening in conversation with filmmaker Sheri Brenner and narrator Peter Coyote. Brenner and Coyote will discuss Tsherin’s work, the nine years it took to complete the film and the state of the arts and artists in Nepal following the 2015 earthquake.

Both the opening reception and film screening are free to Sonoma Valley Museum of Art members and $10 and $15 for nonmembers.

Through his art, Tsherin explores the intersections of cultural heritage, his experiences and global influences. He has exhibited across the country, Europe and Asia, including his inaugural participation at the Venice Biennale in 2022 representing Nepal.

Tsherin was also featured in Yokohama Triennale 2020, Yinchuan Biennale 2018, Kathmandu Triennale 2017, Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art in Brisbane 2015-16 and Dhaka Art Summit 2014.

In 2023, the artist was honored with the Asia Arts Gamer Changer Award by the Asia Society for his significant contribution to contemporary art.

You can reach Staff Writer Emma Molloy at emma.molloy@sonomanews.com.