Devotional Arts of Nepa: UCLA Asia Institute, Sept 17, 2005

Exhibition at San Diego Museum of Art
Through April 2, 2006

Los Angeles, USA -- In Nepal's Kathmandu valley, Buddhism and Hinduism enjoyed a peaceful coexistence for over fifteen hundred years. A new display of 40 paintings and sculptures from Nepal and related objects from Tibet and India - drawn in part from the Museum's Binney Collection - explores the fruits of this unique commingling of art associated with Buddhist and Hindu devotional practices.

Artists of this region, historically renowned for their virtuosity in painting, wood-carving, and metalwork, produced devotional arts for both Buddhist and Hindu patrons, regardless of their own religious affiliations. Nepali artists freely appropriated motifs, themes, and techniques in painting and sculpture from India and Tibet; but far from being simply derivative copies, such appropriation served to enhance their own artistic traditions. Certain works on display demonstrate how Nepali artists produced sacred Buddhist and Hindu objects that were openly interlinked with international and intersectarian movements.

The exhibition is divided into four sections. The first explores the transmission of art into Nepal from India and includes sculptures and painted palm leaf manuscript pages from the region. The second delves into the history of Buddhist art in Nepal and highlights some of the world's finest illuminated Buddhist manuscripts.

Beginning in the 7th century, Buddhism was introduced into Tibet; the third section examines how Nepali artists continually played a prominent role in the development of Tibetan art. Finally, the exhibition analyzes the flourishing of certain Hindu branches alongside Buddhism and the sharing of divinities, ritual practices, and ideologies between the two religions. In addition, the Museum's upper rotunda will feature a related display of the Tibetan Buddhist deity, Hayagriva, and include associated devotional objects.

If you go

Date: Saturday, September 17, 2005
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

Cost: Members Free, Adults $10, Seniors (65+) and Military $8, Students with ID $7, Youths (6-17) $4, Children 5 and under Free
Special Instructions

Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m