What does it mean to belong? Is it a place, a feeling, or something within us?
Perhaps belonging is not a destination but a journey-a restlessness shaping who we are. Between where we stand and where we dream of being lies an “unsettledness” that urges us to evolve, adapt, and imagine beyond the present.
“Unsettled” explores this shared journey-searching for meaning, identity, and home amid displacement. In this in-between space, we artists find our creative pulse, connecting our diverse voices. Each artwork tells a personal story, yet together we form a collective narrative, balancing memory and hope.
In our work, you may discover a piece of yourself. We don’t offer solutions or closure; rather, we invite you to inhabit this space of restlessness with us, to find beauty in the unresolved, and comfort in your own unsettledness. Our creations speak of loss, survival, identity, and transformation-they remind us that to be Tibetan is to live between what was and what could be.
As you move through this exhibition, remember: to be unsettled is to be alive. In this state lies our greatest potential for growth, understanding, and reimagining what it means to belong. To be unsettled is to embrace the journey of becoming.
Featured Artists
Jigme Choedak
Karma Sichoe
Sherab
TASHI NYIMA
The UNSETTLED exhibition brought together 20 contemporary Tibetan artists from across India, Nepal, Singapore, Switzerland, China, the USA, and Canada. From November 1st to 16th, 2024, our exhibition space in the heart of McLeod Ganj transformed into a vibrant meeting point for local Tibetans, Indians, and international visitors. Together, they explored works that addressed themes of identity, diaspora, and the ongoing state of displacement faced by Tibetans in exile.
The exhibition provided a professional platform for both established and emerging Tibetan artists to share their stories and perspectives beyond stereotypical portrayals of Tibetan culture. In total, 59 artworks were exhibited, representing a range of mediums and styles. (The participating artists included: Aku Trak, Cactushastserma, late Chungpo Tsering, late Jigme Choedak, Jigme Namdol, Karma Sichoe, Kesang Lamdark, Lobsang Tsewang, Losang Gyatso, Moira, Monsal Pekar, Ngoshi Choedon, Sherab, Tashi Nyima, Tenzin Dolker, Tenzin Gyurmey Dorjee, Tenzin Melak, Tenzin Tsering (Tenzoni), Tsering Choden, and Tsultrim Tenzin.)
With an estimated footfall exceeding 3,000 visitors, UNSETTLED not only increased the visibility of Tibetan contemporary art but also emphasized the growing need for a dedicated art space in Dharamshala. Feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive. Local Tibetans expressed appreciation for seeing contemporary Tibetan art reflecting their collective experience. International visitors were often surprised to encounter such diverse and innovative artistic expressions from the Tibetan community. Many visitors emphasized how the exhibition challenged their preconceived ideas about Tibetan culture, revealing the complexity of exile life through art.
Opening Night
A well-attended event, inaugurated by CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay la, bringing together artists, locals, and visitors in a lively atmosphere.
Expressive Art Workshops
Ngoshi Choedon led two sessions—Exploring Your Inner and Outer World Through Art and Reflecting on Different Roles We Play Through Masks—offering participants a space for self-reflection and creative exploration.
Kids Workshop: Little Artists, Big Ideas
A special session where young participants toured the exhibition and created their own artworks, guided by the exhibiting artists.
Media Releases
Explore the whole exhibition in our catalogue!
The UNSETTLED exhibition brought together 20 contemporary Tibetan artists from across India, Nepal, Singapore, Switzerland, China, the USA, and Canada. From November 1st to 16th, 2024, our exhibition space in the heart of McLeod Ganj transformed into a vibrant meeting point for local Tibetans, Indians, and international visitors. Together, they explored works that addressed themes of identity, diaspora, and the ongoing state of displacement faced by Tibetans in exile.
The exhibition provided a professional platform for both established and emerging Tibetan artists to share their stories and perspectives beyond stereotypical portrayals of Tibetan culture. In total, 59 artworks were exhibited, representing a range of mediums and styles. (The participating artists included: Aku Trak, Cactushastserma, late Chungpo Tsering, late Jigme Choedak, Jigme Namdol, Karma Sichoe, Kesang Lamdark, Lobsang Tsewang, Losang Gyatso, Moira, Monsal Pekar, Ngoshi Choedon, Sherab, Tashi Nyima, Tenzin Dolker, Tenzin Gyurmey Dorjee, Tenzin Melak, Tenzin Tsering (Tenzoni), Tsering Choden, and Tsultrim Tenzin.)
With an estimated footfall exceeding 3,000 visitors, UNSETTLED not only increased the visibility of Tibetan contemporary art but also emphasized the growing need for a dedicated art space in Dharamshala. Feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive. Local Tibetans expressed appreciation for seeing contemporary Tibetan art reflecting their collective experience. International visitors were often surprised to encounter such diverse and innovative artistic expressions from the Tibetan community. Many visitors emphasized how the exhibition challenged their preconceived ideas about Tibetan culture, revealing the complexity of exile life through art.
