Contextualizing the early development of modern art in Tibet during the 1940s, Professor Tsewang Tashi will speak about two major figures at the time, Gendun Chophel (1903–1951) and Amdo Jampa (1911-2002). Both artists had been greatly influenced by factors of modernity. Gendun Choephel was a scholar, writer and poet who had not only made remarkable contributions to the studies of history, religion, philosophy and literature of Tibet, but also learned western realism and other painting techniques besides mastering traditional Tibetan Thangka painting. Amdo Jampa was a Thangka painter who had been engaging in a variety of painting styles, including traditional styles of Tibetan, Chinese, socialist realism, and modernism. His mural paintings in Takden Mingur Palace at Norbulingka in Lhasa is a groundbreaking artwork of the early modern art in Tibet and has inspired many later artists who are familiar with traditional visual vocabulary. His life span almost covered the entire 20^th century and he had personally experienced the many historical events in Tibet, which in turn is reflected in his lifelong art productions. The two painters’ life stories, art productions and close relationship with each other indicate the complex and dynamic nature of art development in the modern history of Tibet.

Professor Tsewang Tashi will give an introduction lecture of the two artists and then speak in conversation with Pema Bhum, Director of The Latse Project regarding the details of the two artists’ biography and friendship. The event will end with a Q&A session.

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