Artists in Diaspora
Our Artists in Diaspora permanent exhibition represents Tibetans who are living in exile across the globe, showcasing their voice and inspirations, concerns, beliefs and homeland itself.
There are many different reasons for this forced migration, much of which stems from ongoing Chinese oppression and persecution. Some Tibetan artists left their homes to escape life threatening events or to enter political exile, whilst others pursued job opportunities overseas.
We are proud to display the work of artists who express their quests and queries, or simply want to open a dialogue regarding land and identity. Many of them express a deep nostalgia for the mystical land of their ancestors which most of them have never visited in person.
Through their creations these contemporary artists are manifesting their cultural and ethnic ideas, hopes and dreams, generally inclining away from narrative work and towards abstraction and contemporary.
Gonkar Gyatso
Gonkar Gyatso depicts his identity and belongings through the powerful lens of personal experiences of migration and escape. Combining pop art with traditional Tibetan culture, his personal story is both political and powerful.
Tashi Norbu
Tashi Norbu’s vivid imaginal skyscapes are inspired by ancient stories of time travellers, the flying monks who inhabit multi-coloured clouds of impermanence in the atmosphere of Tibet. His work propagates and evokes ideas of freedom in Tibet and its monasteries.
Tenzin Rigdol
Tenzin Rigdol creates a unique expressionistic art which depicts the existential struggle of a Tibetan who is becoming an individual.
The Artists in Diaspora collection also houses works by Losang Gyatso, Nwang Jordan, Konchok Rinchen, Rabkar Wangchuk, Sonam Dolma Brauen, Tsering Wangchuk, Tulky Yeshi Rinponche, Tulku Jamyang.