While there are many ideological and cultural differences between India and Pakistan, there is one major similarity. In fact, both nations are part of Asia. This is an important detail that many Americans forget. Most of us, when asked to think of “Asia” immediately recall images of Japan and China. However, Asia is culturally richer and more diverse than just those two nations. In fact, Asia is comprised of so many cultures, I am not attempting to list or discuss them all here. (This post would be the length of an encyclopedia). I have written before, however, about my efforts to study the basics of other cultures. Recently, I attended two Asian art exhibits. Their mediums and styles were very different, but I was fascinated by both.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month!
What would it feel like to be seen and appreciated for who you really are? Hopefully, every person in the world knows what it feels like to have their true essence known by another person. In studying other cultures recently, I visited two exhibits at separate museums in separate cities. There, I found similar themes and messages to love.
Expanding Darshan – Birmingham Museum of Art
In the heart of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, stands their FREE art museum. Containing nearly a dozen galleries on two floors, it is quite large by any standard, not just a “free museum standard.” On a sunny Spring afternoon, I found the “Expanding Darshan” exhibit (running until January 15, 2023) in a second-floor gallery. According to the interpretive panels in the exhibit, darshan means “viewing” in Sanskrit. This sounds simple, but it runs deeper than eyesight. It is “the act of being truly seen, inside and out, by the divine.”
The Basics
The Hindu faith has a triumvirate of deities who are responsible for the creation, upkeep, and destruction of the world.
- Vishnu – The preserver and protector of the universe.
- Brahma – The creator of the universe.
- Shiva – The destroyer.
The other deities included in this beautiful exhibit are:
- Durga – A protector of all that is good and harmonious in the world.
- Kali – The goddess of death.
- Hanuman – God of wind. Known for loyalty, strength and many daring feats.
- Saraswati – Goddess of speech, wisdom and learning. She is the source of communication.
- Laskshmi – The goddess of wealth and good fortune.
- Ganesha – The remover of obstacles.
The Premise & The Message
Sharma is a photographer with roots in portraiture. Interestingly, she funded the multi-year darshan project through a Kickstarter campaign online. For me, the most fascinating aspect of her work is that it is devoid of digital manipulation. Every object that appears was present when originally photographed, not digitally added later. In some cases, she chose people well-known in the Indian community as her models, such as news anchor Devika Chitnis as Saraswati.
A nearby display explains the concept of darshan in more detail. The museum provided sticky notes. In this way, visitors posted notes about how they wish to be seen. Some wrote about a time they felt truly seen. It was hopes, wishes, and dreams in a sticky note collage and it was beautiful.
Let A Million Flowers Bloom – Columbia Museum of Art
Our home in Columbia is the Columbia Marriott Downtown. From the Marriott to the art museum is a one-minute walk. Yes, really. It’s across the street.
When I visited artists in Asheville, I wrote about my physical reaction when I connect to art. In the heart of Columbia’s cool downtown, just a handful of blocks from the state capitol is the Columbia Museum of Art. “Let A Million Flowers Bloom” was in its last month when I stumbled upon it (closing May 29, 2022). While sculptor Anila Quayyum Agha lent only two pieces to this display, there is nothing small about it. I did not breath for several minutes. Eventually, I left, visited other galleries, and then returned.
The Basics
First, Agha laser cuts into aluminum and steel panels. She creates intricate shapes of flowers or traditional patterns often seen in her native Pakistan. Then, she constructs massive boxes from the panels and installs lights in the center. The lights throw shadows. Let the magic begin.
The Premise & The Message
Agha is a sculptor who moved from Pakistan to America 20 years ago. In this exhibit, she explores sacred spaces and the barriers that sometimes exist for people when they wish to worship.
In a February 2022 interview with the Columbia Museum of Art staff, Agha tells of sitting silently and listening as a child to her mother’s sewing group tell stories. Themes of gender inequity were obvious as she grew older.
“Being in public space was extremely difficult for a young woman, whether you were pretty or not. It didn’t matter. You were just in public space and your bubble was often pierced by men who would grab your ass or pinch you or do something inappropriate.”
Women are denied the opportunity to worship at mosques, not for religious reasons, but for cultural reasons. Their men don’t want them molested or looked at with a lascivious gaze. Now, mosques are only for men.
So, women must find other spaces to worship and commune with the divine.
An Absorbing Environment
Agha artistically creates safe spaces where everyone (regardless of gender, faith or other characteristics) can have a moment of contemplation and feel seen. Stillness reigns. Though the interpretive signage did not specifically mention mosques or religion, the gallery felt like a sacred space. Almost by reflex, guests rarely spoke. When they did communicate, it was in hushed whispers.
Final Notes
Lastly, for more information on Agha, you can watch the February interview here: In Conversation with Anila Quayyum Agha – YouTube
Whether through true love, friendship, or a divine relationship, everyone should know what it feels like to have their nature truly known. On the whole, these exhibits at the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Columbia Museum of Art invite guests to explore sacred relationships and spaces. These exhibits made me a better, more educated traveler. This is part of art’s purpose and a hefty responsibility for any artist to carry. Thank you, Ms. Sharma and Mrs. Agha. I see you. I hear you. I thank you.
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