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Pem Lham wins 2026 Rubin Museum Himalayan Art Prize

Pem Lham Rubin Museum Himalayan Art Prize Bhutanese contemporary art Himalayan art VAST Bhutan

Bhutanese multidisciplinary artist Pem Lham has been awarded the 2026 Rubin Museum Himalayan Art Prize. The award, which includes an unrestricted cash prize of USD 30,000, was presented by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen during a ceremony at VAST Bhutan in Thimphu.

Established in 2024, the annual prize recognizes emerging and mid-career artists whose contemporary practices engage with the artistic traditions and cultural heritage of the Himalayan region. Pem Lham is the first Bhutanese artist to receive this international honor.

Her work, which spans painting and installation, explores themes of identity, gender, folklore, and memory. A central element of her practice involves reimagining ‘Molay’, a spirit girl from Bhutanese mask dance traditions, to explore contemporary concepts of womanhood and power. The recognition is seen as a significant milestone for the growing contemporary art movement in Bhutan.

Entities

Bhutan · Pem Lham · Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art · The Gyaltsuen · VAST Bhutan

Sources

Pem Lham Wins Rubin Museum’s $30,000 Himalayan Art Prize [usaartnews.com]
Bhutanese Artist Pem Lham Receives 2026 Rubin Museum Himalayan Art Prize [www.dailybhutan.com]
Bhutanese Artist Pem Lham Wins 2026 Rubin Museum Himalayan Art Prize [thebhutanlive.com]
Bhutanese artist Pem Lham wins Rubin Museum’s prize for Himalayan art [octobergallery.com]
Pem Lham’s international award puts Bhutanese contemporary art in the global spotlight | [bhutantimes.bt]