INDIA ADORNED

Selections from Mingei International Museum's Stephen Huyler Collection

Jul 11, 08 | Sep 13, 09

Curator: Rochelle Kessler
Collection Source: Mingei International Museum

INDIA ADORNED — Selections from Mingei International Museum’s Stephen Huyler Collection revealed the colorful diversity of Indian creative expression, presenting an evocative collection of works used in the daily routine of a typical Indian family — objects of worship, personal and domestic adornment, utility and recreation.

The exhibition was based on carefully chosen treasures discovered by Dr. Stephen Huyler, art historian, cultural anthropologist, photographer and author, during 36 years of in-depth field research. Huyler, the exhibition’s curatorial advisor, said, “Every aspect of an Indian’s daily life is embellished — the architectural details of the home and public buildings, vehicles, tools, vessels and the rich array of clothing and bodily ornamentation.”

Dr. Huyler’s latest book, Daughters of India,  accompanied the exhibition. It addresses contemporary changes in traditional societies and the ways in which the women of India are leveraging their innate strength and creativity to meet the demands of a modern world. Portraits of 20 women in photographs and text convey individual personalities and universal relevance.