Bhutan, Shangri La interpreted for the 21st century – Tim Gibbs

Bhutan, Shangri La interpreted for the 21st century

Bhutan, the last ‘kingdom’ in the world, Buddhist with a measure of ‘gross nation happiness’ amongst its most valued commodities, will in 2008 become a democracy after one hundred years of paternal monarchic rule by one family.

This series of images is a celebration of the spirit and beauty of the most pure Buddhist nation in the world, where mantra meets mobile phone in a social fusion that really seems to work; where, with experience tainted by all the images of how the world has gone wrong, it’s easy to be afraid for this delicate balance of tradition versus modernity but where, ultimately, for now at least, tradition appears to be the winner and the driving force that will see this small nation work through its newest transition and stand proud as a beacon of peace to the rest of this troubled world.

Tim Gibbs

Tim was born in the UK. He studied art at Watford School of Art as a foundation course and photography for two years at the Polytechnic of Central London.

Tim worked in feature film production in London, beginning as a runner and progressing through to AD, then producing music videos and directing. He then moved to Australia and began directing television commercials, short films and documentaries. He won Awards for TVC’s in Australia and worldwide.

Tim returned seriously to photography 3 years ago and has since produced a book of black and white images from around the world and has exhibited 3 times in Sydney.

He is passionate about photography and wishes to grow and advance this craft beyond a mere sideline to his commercial activities. Tim shoots entirely on film, combining 35mm and 6×6 formats. “I will not use a motor drive or any tools that take my mind from the single image and may miss opportunities at times as a consequence, but know, at the same time that the moments I do capture, as I see them, are unique”.

Email: timmyg@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.timgibbsphotography.com