I went on a quest to find this elusive mural by DALeast high up in the hills of a nunnery, today.
This mural in Thimphu, Bhutan, painted by the Chinese-born street artist DALeast, features a striking, dynamic depiction of a horse rendered in his signature style. The flowing lines create an illusion of movement, energy, and intensity, resembling a sculpture of light and wire. The choice of a horse—a powerful and symbolic figure—reflects themes of freedom, strength, and spirituality, often tied to Bhutan’s cultural and Buddhist ethos.
In his Instagram post, DALeast refers to the legendary figure Tangtong Gyalpo, a Bhutanese and Tibetan historical figure renowned as a mahasiddha (an accomplished tantric practitioner). Tangtong Gyalpo was a polymath—a spiritual master, architect, physician, and artist—credited with innovations such as the construction of suspension bridges in the Himalayas and the promotion of ironwork.
DALeast’s mural pays homage to Tangtong Gyalpo’s legacy by symbolizing the energy and creativity that defined the mahasiddha’s life. The post conveys DALeast’s inspiration and admiration for Tangtong Gyalpo’s impact on Bhutanese and Himalayan culture. The collaboration at the residence of a modern Bhutanese spiritual figure, Tang Tong Tulku, further links this artwork to both the historical and contemporary continuity of spiritual and artistic traditions in Bhutan. 🇧🇹
