This four day long exhibition put on by the Sussex Free Tibet society celebrates the fascinating culture of Tibet, but simultaneously exposes the harsh reality of what the Tibetans have endured for the past 60 years under the communist Chinese rule, and the effect it has had on their community.
The University of Sussex students should be tremendously proud of themselves for putting on such an insightful exhibition and executing it with such professionalism. Every aspect of the evening event was enlightening and incredibly touching to watch and most certainly left an impact on us all.
There were several times when audience members were moved to tears, as Tibetan exiles shared their extremely moving experiences through talks and poetry. Tibetan refugee, Ugyen Choephell, told a heart-rending account of his childhood, sharing how he grew up unaware of his own culture and struggled fitting in with kids at school. However, he informed us of how he went on a journey to find his Tibetan roots and did this through art. His evident sorrow of his past but pride of his background ended his piece on a heart-warming and uplifting note. Thought provoking and touching pieces of artwork by child refugees were also presented, to expose the distressing experiences that young and innocent civilians have had to endure.
An indisputably poignant part of the event was the screening of the award winning documentary film, ‘Leaving Fear Behind’ by Dhondup Wangchen. The film was premiered during the summer of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, in hope to expose the communist Chinese repression of Tibet. The film presents interviews with Tibetans and how their forbidden human rights and freedom of expression has had unfathomable effects on the community.
This was followed by a motivational talk and discussion with Paul Golding, campaign coordinator of Tibet Society London who shed light on the situation, further reiterating the atrocities that are still occurring in Tibet.
Overall, a thoroughly inspiring and powerful exhibition that should be visited by all. Although emotional, it was a chance to enjoy and learn of Tibetan culture and left a lasting impression.
