April 30: Contemporary artists in Bhutan are struggling to create a market.

According to artists at the Voluntary Artists Studio of Thimphu (VAST), contemporary art is a recent development in Bhutan and people do not seem to understand and appreciate contemporary art.

Phurba Thinley Sherpa, co-founder of VAST, said contemporary art is a reflection and interpretation of the society by individual artists. He said since contemporary art began recently in Bhutan, only a handful of people appreciate and understand the art.

However he said contemporary art has huge potential and the prospects can be explored by organizing more art exhibitions and putting up more art galleries across the country.