John Henry Rice, Dr. Joseph M. Dye, and Dr. Shantaram
Talegaonkar examine VMFA’s new South Indian painted scroll.
(Photo by Travis Fullerton, © 2009 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)
Before Curator Dr. Joseph M. Dye III published “The Arts of India” in 2001, only a handful of people knew that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is home to a world-class collection of South Asian art. The secret is now out, and even the most reclusive will hear about us when we open our spectacular new South Asian and Himalayan galleries next year. One of the collection’s particularly strong areas is the art of South India, a region where I have worked extensively and which is very dear to my heart. I was thrilled, then, when I learned that our first major acquisition since my arrival here last summer was to be an incomparable South Indian painting.
Not your typical “Indian miniature painting,” this 48-foot-long painted narrative scroll was gradually unrolled for an audience by professional storytellers. It tells the legendary history the Hindu social caste that makes and sells toddy, an alcoholic drink concocted from the fermented sap of the palmyra tree. In addition to toddy-tapping, production, and distribution, its lively scenes show mythological tales, epic battles, and enthroned deities. Similar legend scrolls, made in northern Andhra Pradesh, can be found in other museums’ collections, but none is as large or as sumptuous as VMFA’s, which makes extensive use of gold. This beautiful scroll will be one of several stunning new additions to our upcoming galleries, and I cannot wait to travel back to South India to ask contemporary storytellers what they might know about some of its imagery.
John Henry Rice
VMFA Associate Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art
1 comment:
The artist, Asma Ahmed Shikoh was recently interviewed for New York Times and an article titled "The Intersection of Islam, America and Identity" appeared in the paper on June 7th.
Some of her work was highlighted like the "subway map" and the headscarf series.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/arts/design/07sont.html)
Those works are currently on display at an exhibition at Twelve Gates Art Gallery in Philadelphia on 305 Cherry Street.
This is a truly unique and the first of its kind opportunity for Philadelphians to enjoy art of South Asian flavor without traveling to New York City.
I would like to personally invite you to my gallery. Twelve Gates is a venture of global significance and speaks volumes for its choice of location - the city of Philadelphia and its arts.
I look forward to greeting you at the gallery.
Aisha
609-731-8480
info@twelvegatesgallery.com
Old City Philadelphia gets its first South Asian art gallery
Twelve Gates Gallery opens at 305 Cherry Street in the heart of Philadelphia’s Art District on Friday, June 5th, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
With a growing interest in all things South Asian, Twelve Gates will create a new anchor for the underrepresented South Asian arts community in the United States.
By presenting art exhibitions from around the world, hosting local poetry readings, and introducing a lively new music scene, Twelve Gates Gallery aims to build bridges with the local community and bring a new cultural vibe to Philadelphia’s Old City.
The first show will feature watercolors, gouache on wasli paper, and lithographs from four artists from India and Pakistan.
Kausar Iqbal from Swat, currently a war zone in Pakistan, will present his first international exhibition. Asif Ahmed, an established name among contemporary miniaturists, will display his new work. Jayant Naskar's lithographs and Partha Roy's watercolors will also be featured in the first exhibition.
Asma Shikoh from New York will be present. Some of her work including ‘Van Wyck Blvd’ will be on display.
The exhibition will run till the 27th of June.
The opening night of the new gallery will feature a live performance by singer/song writer Kerri Edelman.
For more information, call Aisha Zia Khan at (609) 731-8480, or visit the gallery web site at www.twelvegatesgallery.com.
To receive periodic annoucements about our events and programs, request brochures, or give us any comments and feedback, enter your information in the link below. Your information will not be released for any purpose.
http://www.twelvegatesgallery.com/contact.php
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