In a cozy studio perched above the valley of Lhasa, Tibetan artist Gawa Damdhul sketches scenes from ancient epics and seasonal rituals, breathing fresh life into centuries-old stories for a new generation.
Gawa's latest collection of children's picture books spans retellings of the epic "King Gesar"—one of the world’s longest folklore narratives—to original tales like "New Year's First Water," which follows a curious village child and a clever fox on a winter adventure. Each page pairs vivid watercolors with simple, playful text that invites young readers across the globe to explore Xizang’s cultural landscapes and moral lessons.
“These stories are living bridges between past and present,” says Gawa, whose studio walls are lined with sketches of fluttering prayer flags and snow-capped peaks. “When children laugh or gasp at a fox’s clever trick, they’re carrying forward our communal memory.”
Data from UNESCO estimates that fewer than half of Indigenous languages worldwide are taught in schools. By transforming oral traditions into picture books, Gawa—and a growing community of illustrators—helps safeguard Tibetan heritage and spark cross-cultural curiosity.
CGTN reporter Liu Mohan visited Gawa’s studio to witness his creative process, from molding clay models of story characters to experimenting with natural pigments sourced from local minerals. The result is a set of books that resonate with digital natives everywhere: simple stories with universal themes of kindness, courage, and community.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs in social impact, or digital nomads seeking immersive experiences, these picture books offer a colorful window into Xizang’s living traditions. And for the next generation of readers, flipping through pages of clever foxes and festive rituals may be the first step toward a lifelong love of world cultures.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
