A Russian pursuit of Tibetan art

Nickolai Dudko is an artist who studied at Ulan-Ude’s Art College and the Academy of Art in Kiev, Ukraine.

Green Tara saving from eight sufferings of Samsara.Source: Nikolai Dudko

In 1986 when he lived in Ulan-Ude, Dudko started to learn to paint Thangkas, sacred Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk applique.  His first teachers were Buryatian Lamas of the Dharama-Doddi and Jimba-Jamso temples.Avalokiteshvara. Source: Press Photo

In 1990, his first Thangka exhibition was held in Buryatia. Four years later Dudko showcased his work in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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Wheel of Life. Source: Press Photo

In the mid 1990s, he started to learn a different method of Thangka painting from Buddhist lamas in India, Mongolia and Nepal. Sangye Yeshe, the personal artist of the Dalai Lama became Dudko’s spiritual teacher.

Medicine Buddha. Source: Press Photo

An artist is required to spend five years of learning the art of Thangka in Buddhist temples to be considered a professional. Dudko managed to complete the necessary painting requirements in one and a half years.

Jamsaran (Begtse). Source: Press Photo

Dudko is now a certified teacher of Thangka painting.

Yanchenma. Source: Press Photo

The Russian artist uses material such as golden dust, saffron and cinnabar.

Jamsaran (Begtse). Source: Nikolai Dudko

From 1997 to 2003, Dudko taught Thangka painting for adults in Buryatia.

1000 armed Avalokiteshvara, White and Green Taras. Source: Nikolai Dudko

Now Dudko works as a Thangka teacher in the Academy of Art in Ulan-Ude.

Dark Garuda. Source: Nikolai Dudko

Over the last few years, he has held exhibitions in Argentina, Italy, Mongolia, China and India. Dudko plans to take his next exhibition to Tibet.

Kalachakra yab-yum. Source: Nikolai Dudko

Some of his works are kept in Buddhist temples in Tibet, Mongolia and Buryatia. 

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