Happiest man in the world is focus of art exhibition at Gallery 2
By Contributor
If you enjoy art, culture and history then visit the 60 Tibetan Pearls exhibit at Gallery 2 in Grand Forks between Nov. 5 and Dec. 24. This is a unique collection of paintings by a Tibetan monk that reflects on over thirty years of his life. This exhibit displays artist Choegyal Rinpoche’s painted memories of Tibet during his youth visiting nomadic families in yak hair tents. There are images of sacred landscapes and pilgrimage sites. It also depicts his emotional journey from Tibet to India as he fled the Chinese Cultural Revolution by foot. Reaching India, he paints colorful cultural traditions being revived as his group settles in Tashi Jong or Happy Valley. Choegyal was born in Dru-gu, Tibet. He spent most of his youth studying art, philosophy and meditation describing them as inseparable. Even from inside his mother’s womb he was named the eighth incarnation of the Dru-gu monastery’s spiritual leader. His website describes that he has been passionate about art in many of his past lives. Today, he is one of Tibet’s most prolific contemporary artists. His work can be found at the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Rubin Museum of Art in New York. Choegyal’s memories are vividly captured on notebook paper, handmade paper and even on one of his silk robes. Snow lions, dragons and flying horses come alive through his imagination. The majority of paintings are watercolors painted from a birds eye view and are accompanied by insightful personal narratives. Choegyal’s paintings vary from one to the next. His art is influenced by Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Persian art. He concentrated on the work of many international artists and studied with Tibetan master painters. Choegyal comments, ”each painting is a unique experience arising from visions, feelings, sensations and from the immediate sparkling clarity of mind. As such, painting is a language I speak and a world I explore within myself in every possible spontaneous experience.” The exhibit was coordinated by Leah Carnahan, the director of a Tibetan cultural organization. She became the caretaker of the collection after meeting retired gallery owner Viviane Hunter. Viviane was one of the first people to support Tibetan refugees in the 1970’s. Choegyal sent Viviane letters and paintings in exchange for her support of his community. Carnahan was surprised to discover Choegyal was on the cover of National Geographic. The article What’s in Your Mind? describes how a researcher measured how positive and negative thoughts stimulated the brain. Choegyal’s brain activity was further to left prefrontal cortex then anyone he had previously measured. This is where positive emotions sit, leading the researcher to describe him as “the happiest man in the world”. Choegyal aims to preserve Tibetan culture and has traveled internationally to share his art and Buddhist teachings. He has devoted himself to better the welfare of his people. When asked what he wishes for visitors to the this upcoming exhibit it is clear he extends everyone goodwill; “May all sentient beings be happy and enjoy peace and harmony. May no one be in pain or suffering. May all the roots of suffering of all sentient beings be vanished forever. May all be loving, kind, sympathetic and understanding towards humans, animals and spirits. May the whole space and world be full of love?” The opening reception for 60 Tibetan Pearls, will be at the Gallery 2 on Oct. 9 from 1 -3 p.m. Educational slide shows by Leah Carnahan will feature; The Art of Choegyal Rinpoche, Thursday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. and Tibetan Paintings, Thursday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Admission by donation. Website: www.choegyalrinpoche.org
Leah Carnahan, www.tibetanpaintings.com
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