Inspired by the propaganda art of Mao Tse-tung’s Cultural Revolution, this painting refers to the Chinese stranglehold on the once free nation of Tibet… where people are now jailed for displaying a flag, and Buddhist monks are again setting themselves on fire in a final protest for independence.
The title refers to the international community’s willingness to ignore human rights violations in Tibet, for fear of losing political and economic favour with China. Dharamsala, India, has become many Tibetans’ home in exile, while Beijing is the seat of control. The place that no-one wants to mention – Tibet – is somewhere in-between.