Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 9: Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) on Saturday launched its 11th annual Art for Tibet benefit auction and exhibition at the Van Der Plas Gallery in New York City. The one-night event, which was free and open to the public, drew over 200 attendees and raised funds for SFT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Tibetan freedom and human rights. All proceeds from the auction will directly support SFT’s grassroots campaigns and advocacy efforts.
This year’s exhibition featured 60 pieces of artwork from 45 artists, encompassing a range of styles and backgrounds, including contemporary Tibetan artists, prominent figures in the art world, and emerging talents. Notable works included Tibetan Road Builders – Shovel Songs by Tenzing Rigdol, a renowned Tibetan artist whose Biography of a Thought is currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition also highlighted two original pieces by Pema Rinzin, a master of Tibetan thangka painting known for blending traditional techniques with contemporary influences. Rinzin, who was previously the Artist in Residence and curator at the Rubin Museum of Art, is celebrated for his vibrant work. Additionally, the exhibition showcased The Red Scarf (Limited Edition Archival Print) by Tim Okamura, a member of this year’s Art for Tibet Honorary Committee. Okamura’s works have been displayed globally and are part of prestigious collections like The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and The New York Historical Society Museum.
“Despite generations of occupation, colonisation, and collective trauma, so many Tibetan people continue to see the world through a beautiful and hope-filled lens,” said Pema Doma, Executive Director of SFT. “Art for Tibet is a unique platform where both established and emerging, Tibetan and allied artists can come together to bring our stories and creative expressions forward – all for a good cause.”
Shepard Fairey, artist, and activist best known for founding OBEY Clothing, also expressed his support for the event, stating, “I believe art is a powerful tool for connecting people with ideas, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Art for Tibet Honorary Committee this year. I am a longtime supporter of Students for a Free Tibet and couldn’t be happier to support the Tibetan struggle by donating my artwork, ‘Cultivate Justice,’ this year.”
The 2024 Art for Tibet Honorary Committee also includes Cey Adams, Yangzom Brauen, Yeshe Gyaltag, Tenzin Choegyal, Arpana Rayamajhi, and Tim Okamura.
Since its inception in 2009, Art for Tibet has served as a vital platform for artists around the world, featuring exhibitions and online auctions with works from both internationally recognised artists and emerging talent, many of whom are closely connected to New York City’s dynamic downtown art scene. Through the auction, SFT continues to amplify the voices of contemporary Tibetan artists while raising crucial funds to support the Tibetan cause.
