Dashi Namdakov

Tibetan Flags

Artwork Brief Description

Namdakov’s *Tibetan Flags* installation consists of colorful prayer flags traditionally found in Himalayan landscapes. Imbued with Buddhist symbolism, each flag carries sutras (sacred texts) meant to spread blessings with the wind. The five colors represent the elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—embodying harmony. By incorporating these flags into the garden, Namdakov transforms the space into a site of spiritual reflection.

Tibetan Flags

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Dashi Namdakov is a Russian sculptor, graphic artist and designer, born in 1967 in Transbaikalia, near the Russian-Mongolian border. He is particularly known for his works that fuse elements of Mongolian and Buriata cultures, reinterpreting them in a modern way. His sculptures often depict mythological figures and animals, characterised by strong dynamism and formal elegance. Namdakov has exhibited his works in numerous international galleries, and is recognised for his skill in working with different materials including bronze, clay and precious stones. His art reflects a deep connection to his cultural roots, as well as a keen sensitivity to contemporary art trends.

Dashi Dashinima Balzhanovich Namdakov (Russian b.1967)

Tibetan Flags

Upon entering the Heller garden, colourful trails of Tibetan prayer flags have been hung, interspersed amongst the blooming flower beds. Traditionally, these flags would be found on trail walking routes high up in the Himalayas. Their origin lies within the Buddhist tradition of Bon, where the primary coloured flags have prayers printed on them which are used to bless the surrounding countryside.

The prayers are known as sutras in the Indian literary tradition. In Hinduism sutras are short aphorisms or collections of texts written in the form of a manual or guide in which lessons of grammar, philosophy and rituals could be woven. In Buddhism, the sutras are considered to be more detailed, often repetitive scriptures, and are not aphoristic.

The understanding is that the sutras when printed onto the flags, would transmit messages and ideas to any region across the world. As is a tradition within Tibetan culture, these flags appear in a repeated pattern of five colours, which represent the Five Pure Lights. Each of these colours represents one of the five elements: blue for the sky, yellow for the earth, green for water, red for fire, and white for the air and wind. In Tibetan Buddhism, knowledge is considered to be the absence of delusion regarding the display of these Five Lights. Similarly, in Tibetan medicine, it is believed that one can achieve health and harmony through a perfect balance of these five elements.

Although the writing on these flags is somewhat faded from being exposed to the elements, upon close inspection, the sutras can be deciphered. In the centre of each of the flags, there is “lung ta”, which is the depiction of a powerful horse with three flaming jewels on its back. The “ta” is a symbol of both speed and the transformation of bad fortune to good fortune. The three flaming jewels represent the Buddha, the Buddhist teachings known as the Dharma, and the rest of the Buddhist community, known as the Sangha.

As they are made of such a light material, just the slightest bit of wind makes them move and flutter, which is believed to purify the air. By placing these flags at the garden entrance, the blessings written on them will be carried to all who pass through.