Installation view of Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now; photo by Liz Ligon
Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now presents the art of 28 contemporary artists from the Himalayas, Asia, and diaspora whose work is presented in dialogue with objects from the Rubin’s permanent collection, inviting new ways of encountering traditional Himalayan art.
The exhibition debuted at the Rubin’s former New York City building March 15 to October 6, 2024. The second iteration of the exhibition at Wrightwood 659 features 18 commissions as well as recent works across mediums—including painting, sculpture, sound, video, and installation—that reimagine the forms, symbols, and narratives found within the living cultural heritage of Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutanese, and other Himalayan regions.
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. They 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.
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.
Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now is supported by Bob and Lois Baylis, Barbara Bowman, Daphne Hoch Cunningham and John Cunningham, Noah P. Dorsky, Marina Abramović Institute (MAI), Mimi Gardner Gates, Fred Eychaner, Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, Jack Lampl, 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.
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