Virginia’s Museum of Fine Arts has one of the finest collections of Himalayan art in North America and visitors can now see it on unique display.
Awaken, the VMFA’s newest exhibit, takes visitors on a journey from clamor to contemplation says curator John Henry Rice.
“This is not your typical art museum show. This is not just pretty objects arranged in a room,” he says.
Instead, the exhibit is structured as a journey along the path to enlightenment.
“It starts with a video presentation that the whole room is filled with video imagery and you’re bombarded,” Henry Rice describes. “It ends with a heavy stone sculpture appearing to float in space.”
The collection includes nearly a hundred objects, from 9th century idols, to 12th century watercolors, all the way to modern masterpieces. They’re exhibited in dramatic fashion, the low hum of chants, gongs and singing bowls in the background.
Part of the experience includes a number of events. Tibetan monks will perform music and dance, and the museum will host guided meditation.
More Information:
The exhibit runs April 27-Aug 18
Opening Ceremony - Thursday May 2 from noon - 1 p.m.
Tibetan monks in southern India will conduct an opening ceremony and blessing of the site though chanting, music, and mantra recitation.
Construction of Mandala - Thursday May 2 from 1 - 6 p.m.
The monks will construct a mandala during the opening weekend by laying millions of grains of sand into place using traditional techniques
Meditation and Mindfulness series - 11 a.m. - noon
Hour long meditation sessions guided by guest teachers
Wed May 22, Wed June 5, Wed June 19, Sat June 29 (for kids), Wed July 10, Sat July 20
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
