Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 14: ‘Khadhok Arts,’ an arts collective formed by Tibetan youth artists, showcased the artistic expressions of young Tibetan minds through its latest exhibition, “Dreaming Tibet: Children’s Art Exhibition” held atthe Kangra Art Museum in Dharamshala on Friday. The exhibition not only celebrated the artistic talents of young Tibetan students but also provided a platform for them to express their unique perspectives on identity, exile, and the dream of Tibet.
Out of 180 submissions, 50 artworks were selected for display, created by students from five schools in Dharamshala—Upper TCV, Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School, TCV Gopalpur, TCV Suja, and TCV Chauntra—representing students from grades 6 to 12. The artworks, centered around the theme “If I Were in Tibet,” offered a poignant glimpse into how these young artists imagine life in their homeland, delving into themes of identity, cultural heritage, and hopes for the future, all while growing up in exile.
“The theme ‘Dreaming Tibet’ was chosen because most of us were raised in India, and many of us have never set foot in Tibet. We dream of Tibet, and dreams, after all, have no boundaries. We believe everyone has the right to dream, which is why this theme resonates so deeply with us,” said Tashi Nyima, Co-founder of the arts collective, in an interview with Phayul.
Tashi also reflected on the students’ participation in the workshops, noting the overwhelmingly positive response, “Many students expressed joy and enthusiasm, asking for more workshops like these. They also requested stories about the artists, as it inspired them to create more artwork. I believe art workshops like this can be a powerful way to engage with political issues through creative expression.”
“The theme of my artwork is ‘If I Were in Tibet,’ since I have never seen Tibet myself,” explained Tenzin Woisel, a student from Upper TCV whose piece was featured in the exhibition. “I explored three different scenarios. The first envisions a Tibet which we had never left. The second imagines our return to Tibet after living in exile under the guidance of His Holiness, bringing new perspectives and development from the outside world, represented by the small houses I’ve drawn. The final scenario reflects what life might be like if we had remained in Tibet under Chinese rule, with far fewer opportunities, especially in preserving our culture and identity.”
The exhibition will be open to the public from 13th to 19th September 2024, with regular visiting hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
