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.
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.
