A unique travelling exhibition detailing contemporary Tibetan history and prospects for the future will be shown for the first time in London at The Air Gallery, 32 Dover Street (tube: Green Park), from June 17 to 27, 2003.
Titled “A Long Look Homeward – Beyond Borders,” this dramatic show of photographs, detailed narrative text, and video clips is a journey through Tibet’s history, including the Chinese invasion and occupation, as narrated by eleven members of the Tibetan community in exile. The personal stories of the exhibition’s curators, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, are interwoven with the story of their nation. The rich fabric of symbols, visuals, and narrative weaves together a collective consciousness of memory, commemoration and hope. The powerful images and text shed light on recent events in Tibet, the activities of Tibetan refugees in South Asia, and visions for Tibet’s future as articulated by the exile Tibetan community.
This exhibition is organized by Tibet House Trust, which is the official Tibetan charity inaugurated by its patron, His Holiness the Dalai Lama in September 1994. Tibet House Trust aims to relieve the poverty of the Tibetan refugees by assisting them with rehabilitation, health, education and developmental works. It also supports projects that facilitate in preserving Tibetan identity and culture.
According to Mrs. Kesang Y. Takla, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Office of Tibet, London, who also is the Chairperson of the Tibet House Trust, the idea of bringing this exhibition here is to provide opportunity for the people to have a better awareness of the Tibetan situation.
“The history and culture of Tibet has a lot to offer to the world and I believe that this exhibition will generate better awareness and understanding of the Tibetan situation, and how they are managing to cope with the tragedy that has befallen their once peaceful land,” said Mrs. Takla. ,
This exhibition is the travelling version of A Long Look Homeward, permanently housed in the Tibet Museum (Demton Khang) in Dharamsala, India. The Department of Information & International Relations (DIIR) of the Tibetan Government in Exile established the Tibet Museum in June 1998, with the aim of presenting Tibet’s history and visions for its future through texts, photographs, videos, and installations. The Museum (http://www.thetibetmuseum.org) was officially opened in April 2000, and has since become one of the must-visit sites in the town.
The development of four travelling exhibitions, all entitled A Long Look Homeward – Beyond Borders was made possible with the kind donation of The Duchess of York. The exhibition in London is sponsored by The Amaryllis Fleming Foundation and The Prince’s Trust, UK.
