ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Editorial on Olympic hypocrisy and Tibetan art

publication · 2026-04-23

The editorial criticizes Western governments for their weak stance on China's human rights record during the 2008 Olympics, contrasting it with their protection of Salman Rushdie. It highlights a new book by Luc Richard, 'Pékin 2008: pourquoi la Chine a déjà gagné', reviewed by Fabrice Hadjadj, who also discusses Tibetan history and the myth of immaculate Buddhism. The issue includes a dossier on contemporary Tibetan artists curated by Nathalie Gyatso.

Key facts

  • Western governments failed to show firmness regarding the 2008 Olympics in China.
  • A book titled 'Pékin 2008: pourquoi la Chine a déjà gagné' by Luc Richard has been published by Mille et une nuits.
  • Fabrice Hadjadj reviews the book and writes about Tibet.
  • The issue contains a dossier on contemporary Tibetan artists presented by Nathalie Gyatso.
  • Hadjadj criticizes the myth of Tibetan Buddhism as pure and notes historical violence by lamas.
  • He references the book 'Les Peuples oubliés du Tibet' by Constantin de Slizewicz.
  • The Dalai Lama praised SS Heinrich Harrer without reservation.
  • China aims to create a folkloric, commodified Buddhism for Western consumption.

Entities

Artists

  • Nathalie Gyatso

Institutions

  • Mille et une nuits
  • artpress

Locations

  • China
  • Tibet
  • Lhassa
  • Pékin

Sources