This fall, WAM proudly presents Many Visions, Many Versions: Art from Indigenous Communities in India, a comprehensive exhibition showcasing non-mainstream Indian art.
Many Visions, Many Versions focuses on work by contemporary artists from four major indigenous artistic traditions in India: the Gond and Warli tribal communities of central India, the Mithila region of Bihar, and West Bengal. The exhibition is divided into four broad thematic categories: Myth and Cosmology, Nature Real and Imagined, Village Life, and Contemporary Explorations. These sections explore the breadth and variety of cultural traditions in India, revealing a dynamic visual that remains deeply rooted in traditional culture, yet vitally responsive to current global issues. Rather than exhibiting these four distinct indigenous artistic traditions by tribal and cultural affinities, the curators intentionally display the paintings thematically. This panoramic sampling highlights the shared cultural features and contemporary concerns of these communities and underlies the diversity of the artists’ unique expressive forms, techniques, and styles.
India’s rise as an Asian power on the global scene has focused the world’s attention on the country. For Americans of all ages eager to know more about Indian art, Many Visions, Many Versions offers an opportunity to learn about life and culture in India through these remarkable artworks.
With the presentation of Many Visions, Many Versions, WAM hopes to illuminate the complex and ancient culture of India. Offering a slate of public programs that delve further into aspects of Indian socio-political issues, histories, and life ways, WAM hopes to inspire new connections to and conversations about the traditions and expressions of a land that is at once a world away and a strong part of the Minnesota community. WAM opens the exhibition on the weekend of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Learn about life and culture in India through contemporary artists, and enjoy a dance performance by Ragamala Dance Company. Small bites. Cash Bar. Learn more here >>>
Explore Many Visions, Many Versions with our talented WAM Guides. Participate in a hands-on Kolam workshop with Ragamala Dance Company, eat cake, and enjoy WAM. Learn more here >>>
Many Visions, Many Versions: Art from Indigenous Communities in India was organized by BINDU modern Gallery and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.
Many Visions, Many Versions is curated by Drs. Aurogeeta Das and David Szanton with assistance from consulting curator Jeffrey Wechsler.
Feature image: Swarna Chitrakar. Tsunami, 2005, fabric paint on canvas. Photo courtesy of Sneha Ganguly.
Learn about life and culture in India through contemporary artists from four major indigenous artistic traditions at the exhibition preview party for Many Visions, Many Versions. Start the night by viewing Sacred Earth, a dance performance by Ragamala Dance Company that explores the interconnectedness between human emotions and the environment that shapes them. Groove to the sounds of DJ Chamun and nosh on small bites. FREE admission. Cash bar (WAM members receive a free drink.) Register today >>> Members…
Attend a panel discussion about the transformation of traditional narratives and how gender politics and marginalized indigenous communities influence that transformation. The panel will include: Anna Seastrand, assistant professor of Art History at University of Minnesota. Pika Gosh, associate professor of Religion at Haverford College. Dr. Arshiya Sethi, a scholar, artist and activist, and a practitioner and scholar of Indian dance. Richa Nagar, feminist scholar, creative writer, theatre practitioner, and Professor of the College in the College of Liberal…
Join us for an afternoon of films, food and conversation to explore the current social and artistic landscape in India. Presented by WAM Collective in conjunction with the University of Minnesota Student Indian Association. Free and open to the public. Registration encouraged. Image: Jivya Soma Mashe, Coal Mining Process, 2011, acrylic on paper. Photo courtesy of Sneha Ganguly.
Many Visions, Many Versions: Art from Indigenous Communities in India