APEX BUREAU: Last week saw a unique three-in-one event at Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited. The focus was on Dolpo and one family in particular. Dorje Dolma talked about her book “Yak Girl” which is her memoir as a young girl growing up in Dolpo. Also on display at the gallery were drawings by herself and her sister, Sumchog Kersbergen.

 

Following her talk and a demonstration of Dolpo dance there was a showing of a Dutch documentary “The Only Son” which follows her brother Pema’s journey back to their village in Dolpa where his parents wish him to marry. It is interesting to note that all three siblings live overseas—Dorje in America and Sumchog and Pema in The Netherlands.

 

Meantime, one of family members who does remain in Nepal, is Uncle Tenzin Norbu, a renowned artist whose work appears in many publications, including National Geographic Magazine, and the film Himalaya. Known for his fusion of the traditional and the contemporary, Norbu has exhibited around the world including in the US, France, Switzerland and Japan. While working to preserve the culture and traditions of Dolpo, Norbu supports Shree Siddhartha Kula Mountain Primary School which he founded in his native valley.

 

Speaking later, Norbu talked about his recent works which incorpo­rate Dolpo and Buddhist dharma into the New York skyline. Anoth­er acknowledges the plight of the planet; informally called Melting Ice Cream, this is about climate change. These works appeal to both his traditional and modern sides and arouse much interest among art critics and students.