On 7th October 2010, 60 tattoo artists from across the World will donate their wages from at least one tattoo to Students for a Free Tibet to commemorate the Tibetan people’s non-violent resistance to Chinese occupation.
Over 50 years ago, Tibet lost its independence after being invaded by the Chinese army during the Communist Revolution. It was on October 7th 1950, that over 40,000 Chinese troops attack the capital of the Tibetan region of Chamdo. The 8,000 strong Tibetan army are quickly crushed with over 4000 Tibetans killed. But it was in 1959, that Tibet was lost and the Dalai Lama escaped to India where he now lives in exile.
Art plays an important role in Tibetan Buddhist culture, and has long been a profound tool for social and political change. This initiative will showcase work from a diverse pool of tattoo artists who want to use their skills to raise awareness about Tibet and raise money for one of the most effective grassroots organizations working for Tibetan freedom.
SFTUK is working along side Graham Martin and his team to make this event a great success. Graham, is a body modification artist based in Manchester, and former president of the Tattoo & Piercing Industry Union (TPI). He has been very active in supporting the Tibetan cause and well being of Tibetans inside and out. We are very honoured to be working with him and would like to thank him for his generosity and support to the Tibetan movement.
All proceeds from this initiative will benefit Students for a Free Tibet in the UK. Through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, SFT campaigns for the Tibetan people’s fundamental right to freedom and independence.
If you are a Tattoo artist and interested in being apart of this world wide tattoo project for Tibet, then please do get in touch by emailing pema@sftuk.org or simply via our Tattoo for Tibet Facebook or Myspace page.
Check out their previous tattoo artworks for the Tara Art Project
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