A Living Tradition began as the idea of Ugyen Choephell, thangka artist and was originally an exhibition of Tibetan art in 1997. From there it is growing to include the wider aspects of Tibetan culture and incorporated the 'tibet' into its name. Containing paintings by today's Tibetan artists, the exhibition outlines the history, traditional techniques and materials used in tibetan art, and celebrates contemporary artists.

25-26 March 2006. "towards enlightenment"
Bristol artists explore spirituality, featuring the thangka paintings of Ugyen Choephell. Held at the Peirian Centre, Portland Square, Bristol, BS2. .

June 2005 ' celebrating sanctuary'
Coinciding with refugee week, this event, hosted by the Peirian Centre and Pegasus Digital, featured contemporary work by refugees and asylum seekers living in Bristol, UK. It was the first occasion for the unveiling of Ugyen's new contemporary paintings. Follow the link for more info

May - Jun 2004 'A Long Look Homeward'
In association with City Art Centre, Edinburgh, featuring photo exhibition from Office of Tibet, London and traditional thangkas and nomad tent from 'tibet - a living tradition'. Visit City art centre website

July - Aug 2003, tibet arts festivals
bringing the art and culture of tibet to life - through living artists, live artwork & interactive experiences.For pictures of events follow this link

Nov 2002 Lille
Les Journees Tibetaines - 'tibetan days' at the Salle Conclave, Lille. Organised by Tibet 59-92, who invited Ugyen Choephell and his thangka exhibition to Lille. Other attractions, talk by Ven Dagpo Rinpoche, tibetan medecine conference and concert.

Aug 2002 Weston Super Mare
Giant sunflower competition, in aid of Nyingtobling (Centre for education of tibetans with disabilities).

June 2002 North Wales,
Tibet day at Eyarth House in North Wales. Around 300 people turned out to see the Tashi Lhunpo monks perform and browse the tibet stalls. On display was the yak hair nomad tent from western tibet, complete with nomad belongings and dried cheese.

June 2001 Paris
The second festival of Tibet and the peoples of the Himalayas, held in the Bois de Vincennes, Paris.

1999 Wembley Conference Centre
On the occassion of the 'Lo Jong' teachings given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Sadly, my dream of showing His Holiness my paintings never materialised!!

Nov 1998 - Feb 1999 North Wales
Winter exhibition at Electric Mountain, Llanberis, where I also gave a demonstration of practical techniques to exhibition goers.

Guest artist at the North Wales Society of Botanical & Fine Watercolour Artists Exhibition in Oriel Mon.

1997 New Delhi, India
India International Centre, hosted by Tibet House Delhi. I was moved by the visit of a Tibetan family amongst the dignataries and visiting diplomats, who had come out of faith. Prostrating and offering scarves, they were for me a symbol of the aim of my exhibition - to celebrate our living tradition.

1997 Poland
Warsaw and Czestochowa. 'Days of Tibet' hosted by the Polish/Tibetan Friendship Association who also campaigned for the granting of our Polish visas. Despite this I was held at the airport until the Event organiser rescued me!

1997 Dharamsala, India
On the occassion of His Holiness Dalai Lama's annual teachings. Attended by many Tibetans and foreign visitors - a blank canvas was provided for those brave enough to have a go at thangka painting.
 

experiencing tibetan art firsthand at the Tibet arts festival 2003

Nomad tent, North Wales, 2002 Family pose!

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At the second festival of Tibet, Paris 2001

Opening ceremony New Delhi 1997
Ven Doboom Rinpoche (L)
Sri Lokesh Chandra (R)