Torma: The Ancient Art of Tibetan Butter Sculpture

Includes a post-screening discussion moderated by Dominique Townsend.

Torma: The Ancient Art of Tibetan Butter Sculpture explores the artistic vision of the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who is working to establish a new torma tradition in his lineage. The film follows several monks specially chosen by the Karmapa to be trained in the art of butter sculpture. They diligently practice for months in advance so that they are prepared to carry out the artistic visions of the Karmapa. Torma investigates the roots of this tradition, the artistic and cultural significance of the Karmapa’s transformation, and it’s relevance to modern Tibetans.

About the Speaker

The Head of Interpretation and Innovation here at the Rubin Museum of Art, Dominique Townsend specializes in the religions and history of Asia, with a focus on Tibetan Buddhism and culture. She received her BA in Religion from Barnard, an MA from Harvard Divinity School, and a PhD in Buddhist Studies from Columbia University. Before joining the Rubin, she served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia’s Heyman Center for the Humanities. Dominique has studied, worked and traveled extensively in Tibet, Nepal, and India. In addition to her work as a teacher and researcher, she also writes poetry. In 2013, she released her debut collection of poems, The Weather & Our Tempers.