Brushstrokes of Resilience:Diaspora Artists Speak Through ‘Unsettled’ Exhibition
By Yangchen Lhamu
DHARAMSALA, 4 Nov: “Unsettled,” a group art exhibition featuring contemporary Tibetan artists from across the world curated by Khadhok, a Tibetan artists’ collective, is underway at Buddha’s Abode in McLeodGanj, the exile headquarters of the Tibetan people.
“When we first started to organize this exhibition, our wish was to show the colours of contemporary Tibetan art as it exists today, from young artists to established ones. As more artists joined, we began to notice thematic similarities across their works,” said Lea Taake, Co-founder of Khadhok.
Speaking about the exhibition’s theme, she explained that “Unsettled” reflects the Tibetan experience in exile. “The artworks of the 20 Tibetan exile artists from around the world on display carry this sense of unsettledness within themselves, and their paintings reflect these feelings,” she added.
Khadhok’s forthcoming website will facilitate artwork sales and inquiries. Pieces are priced from $40 to $2,500, with digital prints and merchandise available.
This is Khadhok’s second art exhibition this year. In September, the collective organised an exhibition celebrating the creativity of Tibetan students from five different schools in Himachal Pradesh at the Kangra Art Museum in Kotwali Bazar.
The group’s future plans include collaborations with Indian schools, workshops, and expanding exhibitions to other cities and abroad.
The exhibition, running from 1-16 November, showcases artworks from 20 Tibetan exile artists worldwide, including Tsering Choden (Singapore), Sherab (Nepal), Lobsang Tsewang (New York), Karma Sichoe (Dharamsala), and Tenzin Tsering (Toronto).
Sherab, a contributing artist from Nepal, says he draws inspiration from “Van Gogh’s impressionist style.” His artworks evoke dreamy aspirations and childhood innocence. His piece “Phayul Lhayul” – featuring the Potala Palace – symbolises freedom and independence through expressive brushstrokes. Though he has never seen the Potala in person, his artwork conveys a deep longing for his homeland, Tibet. Other themes include unexpressed emotions and imprisoned feelings, reflecting the struggles of the Tibetan people. Sherab’s natural talent is evident in his evocative pieces.
The collective was founded in memory of 26-year-old artist Jigme Choedak, with its debut exhibition in August 2023. Khadhok aims to provide a platform for Tibetan artists, offering annual group exhibitions, youth engagement projects, workshops, and mural projects.
