The Hidden Path: Posters Inspired by Tibetan Mandalas

Bringing Secular and Contemporary Interpretations to Traditional Art

Zhang's inspiration for The Hidden Path arose from the need to address three key problems surrounding mandalas in Western society. These problems include the circulation of incorrect information about mandalas in the commercial market, the esoteric knowledge associated with mandalas, and the persistence of a Western point of view when interpreting them.

The Kalachakra mandala, a reflection of the cosmos in Tibetan culture, serves as the basis for Zhang's imagery interpretation. By focusing on the symbols of the five elements, Zhang confirms their superiority as an interpretive vehicle for understanding Tibetan art. The posters aim to provide a secular and contemporary way of reading Tibetan art, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western perspectives.

The posters in The Hidden Path series can be printed on various materials, with silk being the primary option. The dimensions can also be adjusted according to different purposes, with a standard size of 298mm width and 738mm height.

These printed posters can be used as framed or hanging screens in yoga centers or meditation spaces. They can also be scaled down into postcards, bookmarks, or even mobile phone shells. The versatility of the design allows for broader accessibility, enabling a wider audience to engage with the concept of the five elements and the Tibetan mandala.

The Hidden Path project started in April 2013 and was completed in November 2015 in Australia. Throughout the design process, Zhang conducted extensive research, utilizing academic books, journals, online resources, and museum collections. The project involved experimenting with different styles, figures, and positions of relevant symbols to create unique and meaningful representations while maintaining their recognizability.

The design challenges for The Hidden Path revolved around building connections between religious and non-religious perspectives, bridging Western and Eastern understandings, and balancing historical and contemporary aesthetics. Zhang aimed to create a graphic language that effectively interprets the Kalachakra mandala and decodes Tibetan Buddhism symbols.

The Hidden Path series by Lan Zhang offers a new way of experiencing Tibetan Buddhist art. Through her posters, Zhang brings a secular, accessible, and contemporary interpretation to the traditional art form. The series has been recognized for its innovation and practicality, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in 2018.