The Tibetan Culture is one of the most ancient of our planet and it is highly endangered as a result of the chinese communist invasion of their homeland in the 1950's. Because of the wholesale destruction of their heritage there, and the genocidal chinese policies during the chinese colonization of Tibet, the Tibetans today live a fragile existence in the refugees camps of India. Our generation could be the last to see their artistic culture in its full richness, integrity and splendor.

Over the past Decade, Tibetan Art has become a part of the western cultural landscape. Periodically the Dalai Lama and groups of Tibetan monks travel around the U.S , conducting healing ceremonies, creating Sand Mandalas, and performing traditional music and dance to bring attention to the ongoing struggles of Tibetans people worldwide and for Tibetan independence.

Appreciating the Sand Mandala as a work of art, we are challenged to see beyond our own definition of art, with values on innovation and self-expression. In Tibetan ritual arts, collaboration in the execution of the Sand Mandala is considered to be more valuable than originality.

The photos on view at this site, were taken at the California Museum of Art (Santa Rosa, CA) 2001, at the Albuquerque Museum (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 2002 and at the Palace of the Governor in Santa Fe ,New Mexico)2002.. The demonstrations were part of a fund raising effort to support the continuation of the Gaden Shartse Monastery in Katmandu and the Drepung Loseling Monatery in India.

Terms of Usage:All photos are copyrighted © Melitta Tchaicovsky and may not be distributed, modified, copied, reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of photographer.