Khadhok, a dynamic collective of Tibetan artists, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Tibetan art and culture. Founded in 2023, it has swiftly emerged as a vital platform for both established and emerging Tibetan artists. The collective’s debut exhibition paid tribute to the late artist Jigme Choedak, showcasing over 90 artworks, including pieces by acclaimed artists like Tenzin Melak and Tashi Nyima. Building on this momentum, Khadhok launched the “Thin Line” exhibition in January 2024, blending traditional and contemporary artistic expressions through works by the same talented artists.
Committed to nurturing young talent, Khadhok spearheaded the “Dreaming Tibet” exhibition, featuring 50 artworks selected from workshops held in five schools across Himachal Pradesh. This initiative engaged 180 students from classes 6 to 12, offering them a creative space to explore their cultural heritage. Through such efforts, the collective not only amplifies Tibetan artistic voices but also fosters cultural expression and deepens community engagement.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Tashi Nyima—Tibetan visual artist, curator, and co-founder of Khadhok—delves into the collective’s journey. He discusses the significant student participation in their exhibitions, reflects on Khadhok’s collaboration with the Dalai Lama Foundation, and underscores the profound importance of March 10th for the Tibetan people. Here are the key takeaways from his compelling insights.
Q: Can you share insights into your artists’ collective, Khadhok—its vision, key initiatives, and the impact it aims to create?
A: Khadhok, meaning “colors” in Tibetan, is a young but determined artists’ collective founded just two years ago. Our mission is simple yet crucial—to provide a platform for Tibetan visual artists who often struggle to find mainstream exhibition spaces. Due to Tibet’s complex political landscape, many galleries hesitate to showcase our artists’ work. Recognizing this gap, we decided to create our own space, run by Tibetans for Tibetan artists, ensuring their voices and creativity are seen and heard.
In our second year, we wanted to deepen our engagement with the community. We realized that the heart of any community lies in its younger generations. Tibetan children, growing up in exile, constantly navigate questions of identity, history, and cultural heritage. This led us to an important question—how aware are they of their roots? With this in mind, we launched a project to not only assess their understanding but also introduce them to Tibetan arts and visual storytelling. Through this initiative, we aim to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation to embrace and preserve their cultural identity.
Q: Can you share the expected number of children participating in this exhibition?
A: We received an overwhelming response with 180 submissions, from which we carefully selected 50 artworks for this exhibition. We gave the young artists a thought-provoking theme: If I Were in Tibet. Most of these children have never set foot in Tibet. Born and raised in exile, their connection to their homeland comes only through stories from grandparents or snippets of news. Yet, their imagination allows them to dream, to piece together a vision of a place they have never seen.
As we reviewed their artwork, we were struck by the depth of awareness these children had about Tibet’s political reality. Many not only understood the struggles within Tibet but also empathized with children their own age still living there. Their paintings reflected more than just dreams—they carried powerful emotions, ranging from hope and longing to sorrow and resistance. That realization led us to name the exhibition Dreaming Tibet. After all, dreams are not always fantastical escapes; sometimes, they reveal harsh truths, fears, and unspoken realities. In these paintings, you can see that blend—hope and heartbreak intertwined in every brushstroke.
Q: What is the nature of your organization’s relationship with the Dalai Lama Foundation, and in what ways does the foundation support you in organizing these events?
A: Following this exhibition, we hosted our annual showcase featuring professional artists, which turned out to be a great success. The Dalai Lama’s office took notice and expressed interest in bringing the exhibition to their space. However, logistical challenges made it difficult—many of the paintings were delicate, and transporting them posed significant risks.
Since we already had this remarkable collection of student artworks, we proposed an alternative. We suggested displaying these pieces instead, believing that young artists needed a platform even more than their established counterparts. Their stories felt raw, authentic, and deeply personal. When we presented this idea, the Dalai Lama’s office wholeheartedly embraced it. They were moved by the sincerity and depth of expression in these children’s works.
To bring this vision to life, we organized workshops in five schools. The response was incredible—180 students participated, pouring their thoughts, dreams, and emotions into their art. This initiative reinforced our belief that these young voices deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Q: Why is March 10th significant for the Tibetan people?
A: March 10th marks National Uprising Day for Tibetans, a day when thousands take to the streets in defiance of Chinese rule. More than six decades have passed since China occupied Tibet, yet the resistance endures. Protesters continue to demand justice, freedom, and the preservation of their identity.
For us, this exhibition holds profound significance. It is not just an artistic endeavour—it is activism through art. Each piece stands as a testament to resilience, a visual protest that speaks where words often fall short. Through these works, we amplify the voices of those who refuse to be silenced.
