Lotus and Lion, Contemporary Buddhist and Hindu Art

"Lotus and Lion" – A Contemporary Exploration of Buddhist and Hindu Spiritual Art

This group exhibition will center on the dynamic and evolving experiences of artists whose work explores contemporary Buddhist and Hindu spiritual art. As Buddhist iconography takes on diverse forms in different cultural contexts (for example, a Thai Buddha versus a Tibetan or Japanese Buddha), this exhibition seeks to showcase how Buddhist and Hindu spiritual themes are being reimagined and manifested in the West today. The aim is to highlight the way these ancient symbols and subjects are being interpreted through contemporary lenses.

Exhibition Details

About the Theme
"Lotus and Lion" aims to provide a platform for artists whose work is grounded in the rich traditions of Buddhist and Hindu Art while exploring contemporary applications. This year our show will include artwork by world renowned artists Karma Phuntsok, recognized as the father of contemporary Tibetan art, and Mayumi Oda, known as Matisse of Japan.

There are few venues dedicated to contemporary explorations of sacred art rooted in ancient archetypes. This exhibition seeks to expand the conversation and visibility of artists working in this field. Last year was our first annual show. Forty percent of available artworks were sold. Shoshoni retreat has the perfect patrons as people are very interested in this genre and the retreat is filled with amazing spiritual art.

We invite artists to submit works in the following media:

• Painting
• Printmaking (including woodblocks, lithographs, intaglio, screen print, collage and monoprints)
• Sculpture
• Photography
• Mixed Media

Accepted works must be ready to display. We make an exception for International works where shipping framed art is cost prohibitive. Paintings, Printmaking and Photography may be rolled and shipped in a tube. Lotus and Lion will arrange to hang them. 

Please note: We are accepting only original works—no digital reproductions or giclée prints.

The exhibition will be co-juried by Faith Stone, founder of American Buddhist Art school, and visual curator at Shoshoni Retreat and Sarah Magnatta, PH.D. Assistant Professor, Global Contemporary Art, University of Denver,
School of Art and Art History

About the Jurors:

Faith Stone 

Faith Stone is a seasoned artist whose exploration of carving and painting Buddhas spans over more than three decades, marked by a deep immersion in the traditional art of Tibetan thangka painting. For 20 years, Faith dedicated herself to mastering the intricacies of thangka, honoring sacred proportions and capturing the essence of traditional Buddhist art while bridging ancient practices with modern interpretations.

Beyond her canvas, Faith has assumed the role of a guardian of cultural heritage. Over the past 10 years, she has been fervently committed to the preservation and revival of Buddha Woodblocks, particularly Thangka woodblocks. This art form faced endangerment in the wake of the Chinese Communist invasion of Tibet. Faith's dedication has made her one of the few artists worldwide engaged in the intricate processes of carving and hand-printing Buddhist woodblocks. 

Sarah Magnatta Ph.D.

Sarah Magnatta is an assistant professor of art history at the University of Denver. She received her Ph.D. in art history from the Ohio State University and specializes in global contemporary art and museum studies. She previously worked at the Denver Art Museum and has curated several exhibitions, including Gonkar Gyatso: Intimacy and Immediacy at the Vicki Myhren Gallery in Denver. She also curated Tenzing Rigdol’s first solo U.S. exhibition, My World Is in Your Blind Spot at the Emmanuel Art Gallery in Denver and the Tibet House U.S. in New York City. Sarah’s research largely concerns issues of transnationalism and mobilities in contemporary art; her current book project is tentatively titled Contemporary Art of the Tibetan Diaspora. She has published essays in Art Journal, Journal of the British Association for South Asian Studies, the Journal of Aesthetics and Culture, and the Routledge Handbook of Asian Transnationalism. She teaches courses on contemporary art through global perspectives and is especially interested in challenging art historical and museum hegemonies.

Submission Details: The “Lotus and Lion” exhibition will be a group show. Shoshoni Art director, Faith Stone and guest juror, Sarah Magnatta, will select artworks based on their relationship to the exhibition theme. They will also determine the layout and installation of the works within the gallery space.                                                        

Invited artworks need to arrive by May 7, 2026

1400 Shoshoni Camp Road Rollinsville, CO 80474
phone: (303) 642-0116
email: info@shoshoni.org

Exhibition Space: Shoshoni Retreat has several gallery spaces for display of the show including the Yoga Mandir and Yoga hall as well as other public areas to showcase artwork.
Art Mediums: Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography, and Mixed Media.

Exhibition Process: Upon selection, invited artists will be notified and put in direct contact with the Shoshoni Art team to develop and display their works in the exhibition. Artwork must arrive by May 1,2026.

Sales: Works for display may be for sale, but it is not a requirement. Shoshoni Retreat maintains a commission of 40% on artwork sold. Please consider this in your pricing.

Marketing and Programming: Shoshoni Retreat will provide exhibition documentation, an opening reception, studio visits, marketing, and curatorial advising. Further details upon selection.

Delivery and Shipping: Artists are responsible for shipping costs, unless otherwise arranged in specific cases. Further details will be provided if your work is accepted. Shoshoni will cover the cost of returning International work up to $75.

Important Dates

Deadline for Application: March 30, 2026
Artist Selection Announced: April 7, 2026                

Invited Artworks must be delivered by May1, 2026 (to Shoshoni Retreat)

1400 Shoshoni Camp Road Rollinsville, CO 80474
phone: (303) 642-0116
email: info@shoshoni.org

Exhibition Dates: June 5 – September 5, 2026
Opening Reception: June 5 from 5-8pm
Deinstallation: September 7, 2026 (Works will be packed and shipped back the following 2 weeks from deinstall)

About Shoshoni Retreat

Shoshoni Retreat founders envisioned an environment where everyone can enjoy safe and equitable access to yoga and meditative arts including teacher trainings, sacred art programs, and immersive yoga and meditation retreats. We continue to maintain a national meditative arts center where people of all genres are encouraged to learn, create and inspire each other and the greater community.

In drawing upon the resources of our inner spiritual work, we move forward as activists in the call for racial and social justice – we will listen, educate ourselves, engage, and continue to grow in ways that support Black, indigenous, LGBTQA, and other marginalized communities. Today, this dream of is a thriving reality.

 Mission: Shoshoni Retreat provides diverse opportunities to learn and engage in the study of yoga and meditative arts in a peaceful, inclusive environment.

Vision: To provide a safe, inclusive retreat community where partitioners from all walks of life, all cultures and spiritual traditions may feel welcome and respected.

 Values: As a nonprofit meditation venue, Shoshoni values community, inner exploration of meditative and yogic arts cultivation and courage. These shared beliefs guide our day-to-day operations, and programming selections.

Shoshoni Retreat welcomes everyone, including people of any race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity or presentation, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and citizen status.

Contact:
For additional information or queries, contact Shoshoni Retreat email: kailasa@shoshoni.org 

or Faith Stone faithstone@gmail.com

Applications may be submitted for an individual artist or a group of artists/collective.
Each artist or group may submit one application.
Applications may include up to 3 images for consideration. Two additional images may be submitted for an additional charge of $5. Maximum 5 images.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cohesive body of work that best represents their artistic vision. Application deadline is March 30, 2026. invited Artworks will be notified by April 7, 2026. Artwork must arrive by May 7, 2026.

If applying as a collective, submit one consolidated application.
 

We are accepting only original works in Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Mixed Media and Sculpture —no giclée prints or digital reproductions of the artwork. The exhibition is open to all artists making work in Contemporary Buddhist and Hindu sacred art.