Healing PracticesStories from Himalayan Americans

March 18, 2022–January 16, 2023
Rubin Museum
150 W. 17th St., NYC

Hua Khar (active 1990s, Qinghai Province, China); Course of the Lifespan Principle (chapter 4 cont.);
Chentsa, Amdo region, Northeastern Tibet (Jianzha, Qinghai Province, China); 1995–1996; pigments on
cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin Private Collection; C2014.9.12; Photograph
by Jean Vong, Rubin Museum of Art, 2013

“Health is not a matter of merely personal interest, but a universal concern for which we all share some responsibility.” —Fourteenth Dalai Lama

Practices for healing vary across the world. In Tibetan Buddhism, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being are interdependent, and can only be achieved through a variety of holistic practices, from ritual to medicinal, that restore balance to these three aspects.

Healing Practices: Stories from Himalayan Americans presents the diverse ways that Tibetan Buddhist artworks and practices have served as roadmaps to well-being, with over 25 objects from the Rubin Museum’s collection set alongside personal stories and experiences from Himalayan Americans. Centered around the themes of prevention, healing, and longevity, the exhibition highlights how these living traditions are transformed and adopted for today’s world, inspiring visitors to reflect on their own healing journeys.

CuratorsCurators

Healing Practices is organized by Michelle Bennett-Simorella, director of curatorial administration and collections, in collaboration with a community advisory group whose members work at the intersection of art, healing, and activism. Members include Aatish Gurung, Chime Dolma, Dr. Kunga Wangdue, Geshe Tashi Dorje, Ikuko Acosta, Nawang Gurung, Pema Dorjee, Tsewang Lhamo, and Tshering Yangzom.

Michelle Bennett Simorella is director of curatorial administrations and collections at the Rubin Museum, bringing two decades of museum experience and leading collaborative projects. Working in Kathmandu, Nepal, for several years expanded her knowledge of art and practices in the region. Michelle has degrees in art history and nonprofit management.

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