Tibetan

Stateless

The Tibetan people have lived in a state of statelessness ever since the People’s Republic of China gained complete control over Tibet. Those that sought refuge in India now find themselves trapped in stateless limbo without any avenues to attain citizenship. Several generations of Tibetans have grown up in India, never having set foot in their ancestral land, yet they are perceived as foreigners within the Indian borders. Meanwhile, in the Tibetan region, the Tibetan population is gradually becoming a minority due to the influx of Han Chinese migrants, further diminishing the voice of the remaining Tibetans.

The painting captures the essence of the Tibetan landscape nestled in the majestic Himalayan mountains, where Mount Everest proudly stands, covered in a pristine coat of snow. Along the bottom edge of the enchanting terrain, fiery pine trees are layered as flames. On the left side of the canvas, a Tibetan monastery emerges with colorful prayer flags waving in the breeze. These flags hold profound significance. They carry the prayers of peace, prosperity, wisdom, and compassion, ready to be carried away by the gentle breeze. Each color bears its own symbolism: blue represents the boundless sky, white signifies the purity of the air, red embodies the passionate flames, green evokes the calming presence of water, and yellow denotes the nurturing earth. In the foreground, a Tibetan figure takes center stage, cal in a traditional Chiba robe gracefully fastened on her right side, crafted meticulously from supple lamb skin. Atop her head rests a fox fur hat, completing her ensemble. Her jewelry serves as a testament to the deep-rooted reverence found in her Buddhist faith and as a cherished part of her dowry. Turquoise, amber, coins, shells, and silver are intricately worn by her embodying the unique ornaments treasured by the Tibetan people, each carrying its own story and significance.