Detail: The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is pleased to open a new exhibition, Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion on March 29, 2009. The purpose of Tibetan Portrait is to heighten awareness of Tibet, a mountainous region of the Himalayas. Through portraits, interactive displays, and objects. The exhibition shows the traditions and beliefs of the Tibetan people. The Tibetan Portrait exhibit is about understanding the incredibly rich Tibetan culture and the people who have maintained compassion in the face of tremendous difficulties. It emphasizes cultural understanding and religious tolerance.
Tibetan Portrait highlights photographic portraits of Tibetan people by renowned contemporary artist Phil Borges. Borges’ portraits introduce viewers to individuals from a deeply spiritual culture who have been marginalized and displaced by the occupation of their homeland. The portraits range from images of everyday people, including nomads and children, to important historic figures such as the Dalai Lama. Tibetan Portrait also features interactive displays focusing on aspects of traditional Tibetan culture such as a map of Tibet’s changing borders, a moveable display of Himalayan mountains, audio recordings of mantra chanting, and a hands-on display of Tibetan prayer wheels.
For over twenty-five years Borges has lived with and documented indigenous and tribal cultures around the world. Through his work he strives to create a heightened understanding of the issues faced by these cultures in the developing world. Borges’ photographs are collected and exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide. His award-winning books, Tibetan Portrait: The Spirit of Compassion, Enduring Spirit, and The Gift, have been published in four languages and in 1998 he was presented the Photo Media Magazine "Photoperson of the Year" award. In 2001, Borges founded Bridges to Understanding, an on-line classroom program that connects youth worldwide through digital storytelling for the purpose of exploring and honoring cultural diversity. He teaches and lectures internationally and is co-founder of Blue Earth Alliance, a 501c3 that sponsors photographic projects focusing on endangered cultures and threatened environments.