In the autumn of 1950, the People’s Republic of China ousted the government of Tibet in a military operation. Before and during this invasion many Tibetans fled their homes. Of these refugees some found a new home in neighboring India and Nepal while others fled further abroad. Tsherin Sherpa is a child of this diaspora. He was born in Kathmandu and became apprenticed to his father at age 13. The traditional Tibetan Tonka painter sought to pass the traditional art down to his son.
In 1998, Tsherin left home for America and became a Tonka painting teacher and practiced the traditional art for commissions. During this time Tsherin began experimenting with modern art techniques. He would blend holy forms and symbolism with western logos, ideas, and marketing. Through the last couple of decades, Tsherin Sherpa has become a modern artist of some note and has been featured in showings and museums across the globe.
Tsherin Sherpa is an intriguing individual. Like many Tibetans affected by diaspora, his life has been a balancing act between tradition and assimilation. Born in Nepal and coming into his own in America, Tsherin likens himself to a butterfly and uses this theme in his art. While the documentary touches on his life and art, the focus of Above and Below rests on the Triennale art show in 2017 in which Tsherin exhibited his first 3-dimensional art piece.
This short documentary will fascinate students of Tibetan art and culture because it shows the clear intersection of diaspora and artistic expression. Instructors of modern art may be particularly interested in this fascinating expose on Tsherin Sherpa because it can easily fit within a single class period. Students of Buddhism may be interested in Tsherin’s use of symbolism and his symbolic statements on the West’s ideas of divinity through a Buddhist lens. Highly Recommended.
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
Above and Below would fit most comfortably in collections about the Tibetan Diaspora, but would also be an excellent addition to art documentary, biography, and general documentary collections.
What type of film series could use this documentary?
Any documentary series focused on Tibetan Diaspora and Tibetan culture or art should include Above and Below.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
$500