I AM SONAM by Sonam Yangdon

I AM SONAM showcases Bhutanese artist Sonam Yangdon’s hand-drawn illustrations and heartfelt narratives, drawn from her personal diary reflections. Her work is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating life’s uncertainties, with each piece offering a space for empathy, understanding and the comfort of shared experience. About the artist

Sonam Yangdon is a Bhutanese student whose artistic journey is both powerful and personal.

Moving to Australia at age 15 had a profound impact on her and high school became a place of loneliness and isolation. To cope, Sonam turned to art and began drawing. Every recess and lunch break she would go to the library and read picture books. It was during these challenging years that she began writing “I AM SONAM”’ as a chant of strength and confidence in herself.

What started as a way to cope with the emotional weight of her experience soon became a channel for self-reflection and connection. Her love for picture books—particularly the works of Shaun Tan—ignited a passion to create visual stories that explore complex concepts.