An Interview with Tiffany Singh of Fly Me Up To Where You Are

What was the most significant moment of your travels through Nepal and Tibet for you?

Seeing the Dalai Lama speak in Ladakh to the Tibetan people. Hearing in his words the importance of truth, compassion, and forgiveness was a truly amazing thing. Given the hardship his people have faced in the hands of the Chinese Government. The Dalai Lama explained the plight of the Tibetan people as an opportunity to practice the tenets of Buddhism.

When did you come up with the concept of Fly Me Up To Where You Are?

When I was traveling over the Khardung La pass in the Himalayas and all the prayer flags amass in a frenzy of colour and movement it's a beautiful spectacle against the backdrop of the mountains. The air is also very thin so it's quite a powerful liberating experience. I imagined all of the prayers released in the breeze and wondered what messages from Aotearoa would be and whether it would be possible to create so much positive energy for the world in NZ.

What do you hope to achieve from your exhibit?

• Generate community awareness and ownership of political issues and ownership for the future of Aotearoa.
• Empower youth to think about, discuss and find solutions in a positive way for political issues and social biases that they may face everyday living in Aotearoa
• Facilitate discussion around our vision for Aotearoa.
• Identify pathways and goals to facilitate change; both local and global.
• Install a sense of ownership for future self-improvement.
• To facilitate cross pollination between different sectors of the artistic community - students, artists and institutions. 

What is the best part about running the workshops with the children?

Being given a chance to empower the local community to facilitate and be the change they want to see in the world around them. By giving voice to the youth of the community and enabling them too create their own narrative through storytelling and the journey of process. I think seeing them go through the cognitive shift of taking responsibility of the way the want things to be and recognising that they have the power to affect that is also a big thing for me.

Have you had an experience during these workshops that has stunned you?

Yes many. One 8 year old boy asking me what 'hope' was the other a 7 year old girl who told me it had been the best day of her life. Both totally heart wrenching.

What is the most important lesson you've learnt through this experience?

To really value our younger generations and teach them to identity their hopes and dreams. Also by giving them the encouragement that they can fulfill their wildest imaginations is critical to us to grow and develop as a nation. 

In what ways do you think Christchurch will benefit from Fly Me Up To Where You Are?

The project is a space to set your dreams free. To share them and encourage a positive space where anything is possible. The project seeds manifestation and gives the entire community an opportunity to see what is important to our children. By seeing this and spending time with other peoples hopes and dreams I believe our tolerance, respect and compassion can all benefit. With the knowledge of knowing that we are sharing all that positive energy with the Aotearoa and out into the world.

What has been the biggest inspiration for your artwork?

Buddhism and the collective spirit.

How would you describe your work to someone who hasn't heard about it before?

A practice that priortises the use of art as a tool for education, empowerment and communication. Using art as a means to generate and affect change. With a focus on sustainable community outreach and focusing on participatory works that have community building themes as their primary objective.

What would be on your flag?

A peace sign, a big heart and a bee.