Tibet Lives exhibitionIt's an undeniably sweet thing indeed when artists, as is so in the Tibet Lives exhibition, give something extra to the world by using their talent and vision to show not just their creations to the world, but go that extra mile to give the proceeds to those less fortunate (like the Loving Heart Association in this case). It's a double gift, and so in theory doubly admirable. What's even sweeter though, is when the works still manage to move you, as art is supposed to, and not equate to the same level of melancholy that comes about from chewing on a slice of cold toast, say. One-fifth of the proceeds from Tibet Lives' sales go to a worthy cause, but I fear that's where the good stuff ceases. To be a true cynic the exhibition appears to be no more really, than a plug for a new lifestyle magazine and design studio... Face Bar is unquestionably beautiful in its rich designs and palette, and in an instant had smothered any impact the pictures on the walls may have been able to collect. When we visited the exhibition in the early afternoon there was but one table occupied, making the pretty surroundings tranquil, and stunning in a sleepy way, from warm window light encasing the seating area. From looking around the entire venue I saw less than 15 images in the entire space - inside the front entrance, and at the rear seating area on the ground floor. The venue itself just swallows them completely like a whale with plankton; the point is driven in deeper by the disappointing size [small] of the canvases. Presentation really becomes an issue here. What exactly is trying to be portrayed? Because for me, a region like Tibet demands a great deal more than a mere dozen frames of mediocre photography.
