Educational Media Reviews Online

Above and Below is a living documentary of the art and career of Tsherin Sherpa. The work delves into themes of cultural assimilation, diaspora identity, and poignant global issues, all viewed through the lens of Sherpa’s art, which skillfully blends Tibetan tradition and Buddhist imagery with a contemporary twist.

The journey is framed around Sherpa’s return to Nepal after living in the United States for twenty years in preparation for the Kathmandu Triennale exhibition. Although the film occasionally utilizes back-and-forth time jumps that may challenge the viewer's grasp of the timeline, this does not diminish the overall coherence and narrative arc of the film.

The strengths of the work lie in its in-depth exploration of the thought processes, methodologies, and career evolution of the artist, as well as the ways in which these aspects translate into collaborations with global brands. Additionally, Sherpa fearlessly tackles potential concerns of sacrilege and adeptly highlights the diverse symbolism present throughout his art, serving as a bridge between traditional practices and contemporary social commentary.

Regarding cinematography, the film seamlessly blends candid footage from Nepal and the United States with close-up shots and artistic renderings. Mirroring Sherpa's artistic approach, traditional Tibetan music accompanies the narrative, offering insights into the relevance of ancient practices in modern contexts, all interwoven with a contemplative narration.

Overall, Sherpa's art pushes the boundaries by reimagining traditional meditation tools like tankas, while juxtaposing concepts inspired by Warhol, Duchamp, and Rorschach with Buddhist and Tibetan traditions. This film offers a vignette on a unique artist, saturated with personal history and significance, meant to connect to multiple viewers. This film is highly recommended.

Awards:
Audience Award for Best Short, SFDocFest

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