27 year old photographer Laura Watson, from Brixton will simultaneously run a half marathon and stage a photographic exhibition at Inspire in Southwark from 1st August – 29th August, to raise awareness of the issues in occupied Tibet.
“The Roof of the World Exhibition will include portraits and stories of Tibetan refugees who have fled their homeland to start a new life.” states Watson. “This event deliberately coincides with the start of the Beijing Olympic games during which all eyes will be on its host China.”
Tibet is commonly known as the “Roof of the World”, and has been occupied by China for over fifty years. Since 1959, about 100,000 Tibetans have fled to neighbouring countries, because of religious persecution and physical violence at home. Many have died on the way as a result of the harsh conditions. Thousands continue to escape oppression in Tibet each year.
“Having met a number of Tibetan people I can appreciate why they are frustrated. China has been given the honour of holding the Olympics this year. The event is supposed to stand for equality and social freedom, yet the Tibetan people are not allowed to follow traditional ways of life. They are not even allowed to posses a photograph of the Dalai Lama.”
Laura is looking for sponsorship for her half marathon, which she is running on the Saturday 9th August from the Tate Modern to Brockwell Park to coincide with the first day of the Olympic Games. She is also looking for funding for her exhibition, she will be staging a launch on Thursday 7th August at InSpire in Southwark; any money raised will be donated to the registered charity the Tibetan Children’s Villages & Schools. To find out more please visit www.laura-watson.com/
