This year, thangka artist, Ugyen Choephell finally saw his dream materialise -to show UK audiences the life and soul of tibetan art & culture through a series of interactive exhibitions. His approach was to blend live art with informative displays, public participation and demonstrations, to provide a unique experience and direct understanding. Four monks skilled in the traditional monastic arts of butter sculpture and sand mandala creation plus a lady to play the nomad character were invited to the UK to participate.
The four monks from Tharlam Sasang Namgyaling monastery were finally granted their UK visas in early June and arrived in the midst of an unusually sunny British summer. Joined by Kunsang, a teacher from SOS Selakui, the stage was set in the historic market town of Chipping Sodbury, where Tibetan art was a rather new and novel idea. Involving local schools as part of their curriculum studies, via the specially designed activity workbook, the students found the day fascinating, bringing in their own artwork and undertaking tasks with enthusiasm and thoughtful questions. Some even found their pictures in the local newspaper. I have a very fond memory of being greeted in Tibetan language by English schoolchildren!
Weston College’s Hans Price Gallery hosted us next, with big thanks to David Elsey, this free event drew in locals and tourists and really introduced tibetan culture to people for the first time in their lives. The interest by local and regional papers was very heartening. The culmination of the exhibition was a traditional sand mandala dismantling ceremony and procession down Weston pier to disperse the sand grains into the sea.
Enthusiastic for as many people to see Tibetan culture, the artists joined organisers to generate extra awareness by distributing flyers. The events attracted many local people, tourists, children, community and mental health groups, Buddhists, Asians, artists, people from all walks of life who came to enjoy the events and to be inspired. Some made it to 2, even 3 of the venues! Being apolitical, the events were able to draw all kinds of people together, portraying a positive reflection of Tibetan culture, reinforcing the message of greater understanding through dialogue. I remember being particularly moved by people meditating inside the nomad tent, or collecting some of the sand grains for their altars, and I felt that the need for this sort of exhibition was overwhelming. It was lovely that regional audiences had the chance to see and experience sights, which are normally confined to the big cities.
Central to the dissemination of Tibetan culture, this event was also designed to allow the Tibetan visitors to experience British culture firsthand. They enjoyed the splendour of Bath abbey and other historic sites and contemporary British culture, including they must see item – Manchester Utd!
It was a moving sight to see Buddhist monks on the day of the Anglican pilgrimage in Glastonbury, with a lovely moment of respect and reverence between monks and Christian clergy. The people of Glastonbury also made this a most memorable exhibition, making us feel so welcomed, bringing cakes, crystals and four leaved clovers as auspicious offerings. The prayer flag outside the town hall drew a lot of admiration, many commented that it had changed the atmosphere. The mandala sand grains ended up at Chalice Well Gardens, site of a holy spring at the choice of the local people.
In Bristol, the prayer flags entwining the grand columns of the Victoria Rooms fluttered their message across the city. Entering through kapens (traditional temple hangings) you were transported to another world; of walls adorned with thangka paintings, traditional materials and even a corner to try your hand at sketching and explore the world of Tibetan sacred art. Moving into the black yak hair tent, you were welcomed by Kunsang in nomad dress, offering tastes of Tibetan tea and insights into nomadic life and Tibetan culture. Amazed at the delicate sculptures and curious as to how butter can be used as an artform, you were inspired to attempt your own sculpting, with the help of Norbu and Jamyang. The mandala enthralled visitors as under the expert hands of Jamyang and Nyima the mandala grew grain by grain. The brass pipes used to create the sand mandala provided a unique and memorable soundtrack – the outcome was a total immersion of the senses into Tibetan culture, with an atmosphere of calm much
appreciated and commented on by the audience. We were honoured to have many local Buddhist, Tibetan and artistic figures attend our opening ceremony. The representative from Office of Tibet, Mrs Takla, gave a short speech, and we were delighted to have one of our sponsors attend. The monks enjoyed their first live radio interview to the accompaniment of the Tibetan clarinet (gyaling). By now it was holiday time for schools and we welcomed a lot of parents with children to entertain, please do visit the website www.thangka.co.uk for examples of some of the great work the children (& adults) did and for pictures of all the events.
Fittingly the exhibition in Shrewsbury was in the old monk’s quarters of the Abbey. With the help of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the local Tibet group, the Mayor of Shrewsbury opened this beautifully located event. The exhibition series ended in North Wales with a chance to create more sand sculptures – exhibition of a different kind on the beach. Thanks must go to everyone who helped to transport the ever-growing exhibits around in a series of cars, vans and minibuses, and with the setting up, dismantling, admission, explanations, and feeding/accommodating the group!
So all in all we managed to visit 8 venues, entertaining and informing several thousand people. Children were encouraged to attend with free entry and the unlimited chance to participate in artistic activities. 67% of our audience felt they were made more aware of culturally diverse work with 60% wanting to see more of it! So although I could write more, I really must stop here and start to plan the next one!
Ugyen & Jane Choephell – ‘Tibet – a living tradition’ If you would like to get in touch regarding events or would like to contribute in the future, please contact ugyen@thangka.co.uk
In 1995 ‘Tibet-a living tradition’ was formed in Dharamsala, India; this not for profit group aims to inspire and support fellow Tibetan artists and to promote greater understanding of Tibetan art and culture. Since then many thangka exhibitions have been held, but this year’s Tibet arts festival was the first big series of events to be held by ordinary Tibetans working in their spare time. It was made possible with kind financial support from Karmachakra Ltd, Arts Council UK & Visiting Arts.
