Contemplate and celebrate what Himalayan art means now with an exhibition of artworks by nearly 30 contemporary artists, many from the Himalayan region and diaspora and others inspired by Himalayan art and cultures. New commissions and existing works will be juxtaposed with objects from the Rubin Museum’s collection, inviting new ways of encountering traditional Himalayan art.
Through a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, sound, video, installation, and more, the artists explore their personal and collective histories and call attention to themes such as the fluidity of identity, spiritual practices, sense of belonging, grief, memory, and reclamation. The artists also offer critical and thoughtful commentary on issues facing humanity across time.
Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now was originally curated by Michelle Bennett Simorella, Director of Curatorial Administration & Collections at the Rubin Museum, with guest curators Roshan Mishra of Taragaon Next and Tsewang Lhamo of Yakpo Collective. The traveling version of the exhibition is curated by Michelle Bennett Simorella.
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
Fall 2024–Winter 2025: Wrightwood 659, Chicago, IL
Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now is supported by Bob and Lois Baylis, Daphne Hoch Cunningham and John Cunningham, Noah P. Dorsky, Mimi Gardner Gates, Fred Eychaner, Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, Dan Gimbel of NEPC, LLC, Agnes Gund, New York Life, Matt and Ann Nimetz, Namita and Arun Saraf, The Prospect Hill Foundation, Eileen Caulfield Schwab, Taipei Cultural Center in New York, and UOVO.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
The Rubin Museum’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.