Retired professor: I view Tibet with an artist's eye

08:26, April 23, 2009

Pausing in front of instruments to persecute serfs, Cao Shian, a retired college professor, was deep in thought...

"Behind these objects is a history of old Tibet that tells people what the hell is like."

Having graduated from Beijing Academy of Fine Arts as a print major, Cao was teaching in the Architecture Department of a university. He longed for visiting Tibet all the time, but failed for health reasons.

In his eyes, Tibet's past and present are two completely different pictures. "I view Tibet with a painter's vision," he said.

Serf Namgyai Phuntsog tells of the torture he underwent in the standing wooden cage.(File Photo)

In old Tibet, prisons were set up by local regimes at all levels and also by nobles, manors and monasteries. Serfs would be given cruel punishment if they resisted or damaged their owners' interest. Even when they didn't pay rents on time, they would have their eyes gauged out, their ears, arms and feet cut off or tendons pulled out.

Just look at these pictures: Sonam Tsering with his eyes gouged out, Baigya with his arm chopped down, and various instruments like fryers, wooden fetters, small cages for standing only...All are accusing the man-eating serfdom.

Cao said that from the Tibetan nomadic complexion, costumes and Tibetan architectures, he could conclude that tremendous changes had taken place in Tibet over the past five decades.

The local government of old Tibet punished herdsman Jambai by cutting of his hands. He revealed the brutality of serf system after his liberation. (File Photo)

"About 40 years ago, I saw the complexion of the Tibetan nomadic was dark-brown. But now, you see, they're fine, which indicates that they enjoy good health and a high living standard," he said.

"In the past, their clothes were mainly grey and black. Well, their present ethnic costumes are so colorful and beautiful that you can feel their mental outlook and life quality much better."

Pointing to a picture depicting a cowshed for serfs to live in, Cao sighed: "Dwellings in old Tibet were dull and shabby, standing against the background of blue skies and white clouds of this plateau. Now, those bright-colored architectures and Tibet's unique natural scenery add radiance to each other -- How beautiful such a painting is!"

The tibetans are living a life of bliss after democratic reform in 1959. (Xinhua Photo)

Exhibition on the 50th Anniversary of Democratic Reform in Tibet at the Cultural Palace of Nationalities has impressed those familiar with Tibet and the youth as well.

Guo He, who serves Beijing Subway Line one, went to the exhibit as soon as he was off from a night shift.

"These exhibits help me have a comprehensive understanding of Tibet and makes me love this region more," Guo said.

As a retired employee of Shougang Group Li Yuying wrote, "We will never permit anyone to stop Tibet from advancing and I am sure that a harmonious and wonderful Tibet will certainly have a bright future."

Source:Xinhuanet