Art Exhibit & Auction Raises Funds for Pro-Tibet Non-profit

HARLEM, NEW YORK CITY -

Nearly 150 people gathered to view art inspired by Tibet at Gallery 8 in Harlem, New York City on Thursday, Nov. 7. For the ninth year, the annual exhibit and auction called Art for Tibet raised money for Students for a Free Tibet, a non-profit campaigning for Tibetan rights and independence from Chinese rule. Following the Chinese military invasion and annexation of Tibet in 1950, many Tibetans immigrated overseas. Art for Tibet showcased efforts of Tibetans overseas advocating Tibetan freedom following the Tibetan diaspora.

Students for a Free Tibet, now in its 25th year, includes Tibetan youth members. The organizing committee for Art for Tibet worked with SFT to set up Art for Tibet. Tibetan artists and other artists donated their designs to the event where all of the profit from art sales was given to SFT. Most of the art incorporated social and political commentary about the Chinese government’s control of Tibet.

One of the designs was a dove on a backdrop of orange, yellow and black made by American graphic artist and social activist Shepard Fairey. Fairey’s most iconic works include his Andre the Giant Obey design and 2008 "Hope" portrait of Barack Obama.

The gallery also showcased a portrait made by Juan Carlos Pinto depicting the spiritual leader of Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists, the 14th Dalai Lama. In 1959, the Dalai Lama left Tibet to escape danger from the Chinese government. He has since lived in exile in Dharamshala in northern India.

Camera: Nikon D90. Nikon 18-55 mm zoom lens. Nikon 70-300 mm telephoto zoom lens.

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