An examination of the artist Gonkar Gyatso (1961), demonstrates how his Tibetan and Chinese background influenced the trainings he underwent as a developing artist, which later influenced the chosen techniques in his contemporary artworks. Being born and raised in Tibet during the Cultural Revolution exposed Gyatso to suppression and destruction of all art forms that did not follow Mao's political ideology. My Identity (2003), is Gyatso's most personal and political work and demonstrates how dominantly heritage and culture influence artists produced works meanings. The artist presents four self-portraits, portraying himself as a traditional Tibetan, as a Chinese communist, as a refugee, and as permanent exile. The work is simple with the viewers’ attention drawn through the use of vibrant use of colour and realistic settings. The initial qualities of simplicity are soon replaced by the stronger political and social messages generated from a Tibetan artist living under Chinese rule, with the impacts of such conditions leading to identity crisis’ for the individual. The work is a subtle reflection of more than Gonkar Gyatso’s life. It encompasses the many Tibetans and artists who lived under Chinese domination that experienced their culture reduced until it eventually evaporated. ‘My Identity’ (2003), is an example of Gyatso’s signature type of work that “charts the subtle shifts in identity and belonging caused by constant migration”. (Pearl Lam Galleries) . Gyatso's artwork Excuse Me While I Kiss The Sky (2011), created a unique representation of the tension between cultural loss and the dynamic processes of globalisation. The lyrics from Jimmy Hendrix song, purple haze references the affects of psychedelic drugs in the 60's. Gyatso's intention was to draw a line between the cultural effects of globalisation and the addictive affect of advertising, consumerism and media. His intended meaning highlights the influences of western ideals surrounding money and brands over more traditional forms of spiritual values. The artwork demonstrates the the concept of contemporary culture leading to both desire and simultaneously despair. |
Gonkar Gyatso
My Identity, 2003 4 photographs Each 61,5 x 78 x 3,4 cm http://www.tba21.org/augarten_activities/63/artworks/581 Gonkar Gyatso
Excuse Me While I Kiss The Sky, 2011 Seven works on paper 15m x https://www.conceptioart.com/projects/gonkar-gyatso-excuse-me-while-i-kiss-the-sky.html |