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The Missing Peace

Artists Consider the Dalai Lama

On View:
Friday, October 9, 2009 — Sunday, January 10, 2010


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The result of a collaboration between the Committee of 100 for Tibet and the Dalai Lama Foundation.

We see this project as a unique opportunity to explore the idea of art as an interpretation of, and a catalyst for peace. Through the artist's work, we also hope to broaden appreciation for the Dalai Lama and the principles he embodies. The project and exhibition title is an evocative play on words - peace will always be elusive, or missing, in our world, but the Dalai Lama consistently shows that dedicating oneself to peace is anything but pointless. The word 'portrait' is used very loosely. Artists were given the freedom to explore the full life of the Dalai Lama; each 'portrait' was the result of personal interpretation.

The Missing Peace explores art as a catalyst for peace and inspires readers to engage in pursuing peace in their lives, both personally and in their communities by exploring the intersection of creativity, activism, and global citizenship.  Eighty-nine artists from around the world have created their own answers or interpretations about considering the Dalai Lama through unique journeys and belief systems to create visual portraits. 

The result is a collective tapestry of images, themes, and media that mirrors the many roles the Dalai Lama plays within his world and ours.  The exhibition includes work by Laurie  Anderson, Bill Viola, Jenny Holzer, Anish Kapoor, Chuck Close, Marina Abramovic, and Michele Oka Doner, among others.