Tibet comes to Glasgow University this month with an exhibition of photographs revealing the nature of urban and rural life in this ancient and fantastic civilisation. The exhibition, Seeking Emptiness, will be displayed in the St Andrews Building at the University of Glasgow from 28 March - 11 April 2006.

The display will also look at the way monks and ordinary people attempt to live according to Buddhist tradition in the context of continuing Chinese occupation, urban growth, globalisation and mass tourism. This exhibition is the first in a series of 'photo essays' from Rod Purcell exploring issues related to social and cultural change.

Rod has also produced a book of 80 photographs to accompany the display.

Lecturer in social and cultural change at Glasgow University, Rod Purcell, explains his exhibition: "Tibet is a beautiful but very troubled country. The Dalai Lama said that it is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good. This is demonstrated by the Tibetan people through the way they live their lives. The book and exhibition is intended to convey this to a western audience"

Rod previously worked as a neighbourhood community worker and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Kate Richardson (K.richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

For more information contact the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3535 or email Pressoffice@gla.ac.uk

First published: 20 March 2006