FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2005

Sketches from the Roof of the World
Photos of Tibet by
Stephen Mahan
(March 1–April 8, 2005)

Light Work, 316 Waverly Avenue, Syracuse 13244
RECEPTION: April 7, 6–8 pm, Robert B. Menschel Media Center
WORKSHOP & ARTIST LECTURE: March 23, 9am–12:30pm

Light Work and Community Darkrooms feature an exhibition titled Sketches from the Roof of the World, featuring photographs by Stephen Mahan. This captivating series of forty-three images captures the evolving Tibetan culture. The culture has been in transition since the Chinese invasion over fifty years ago, although the last few years have shown a more rapid and alarming rate.

This project began eight years ago while Mahan was working in Tibet on a photojournalistic essay for National Geographic Magazine. The images are meant to evoke an emotional reaction, not serve as documentary and factual realism. According to Mahan, they are simply "a brief description of a place and its people as a rough drawing, a tentative draft, a sketch." They depict a mood reminiscent of that space between awake and asleep.

Although Tibetans are generally viewed by Western culture as mystical and superstitious, living a pure and serene existence, they actually wish to be viewed as progressive people who are open to change. They hope to show their adaptability, while maintaining links with their cultural heritage. Throughout their countryside, new roads are being built, small towns are popping up seemingly overnight, and small stores and markets are flooded with consumer goods.

The consumer culture is tempting the Tibetans, and it is resulting in drastic changes in their culture and landscape. Their lifestyles are changing, and aspects from their cultural past are eroding quickly. Their horses are being traded for motorcycles, prayer beads for watches, traditional garments for Western-style clothing, and their rural homes are being left behind for new homes in busier villages. This exhibition offers an alternative view of the endangered Tibetan culture.

The gallery hours for this exhibition will be Sunday-Friday, 10am–6pm. A reception will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2005, from 6 to 8 pm. It will be hosted by Light Work, a non-profit, artist-run organization dedicated to the support of artists working in photography and electronic media. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. There are a limited number of free parking spaces available, please RSVP to reserve. For more information contact Light Work at 443-1300.