The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, in Nashville, Tennessee is showcasing artwork of Hinduism to largely uninitiated American audiences. It includes170 paintings, sculptures, textiles and ritual artworks created in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh between the fourth and twentieth centuries. This exhibit organised by Frist Center took five years in the making and will run through 29 May before it moves to the Brooklyn Museum.
The exhibit aims to introduce Hinduism through every artwork to viewers. Select Indian artwork made from the best material from collections all over the world is on display, says Curator Joan Cummins, of the Brooklyn Museum.
The most beautiful and rarest artwork examples include:
• A sandstone stele artwork produced in the 10th century in central India – "Vishnu Flanked by His Personified Attributes." This is an introductory piece in the first gallery. This artwork has never been seen outside its home museum or featured in any publication.
• Another 12th century sandstone statue – "Vishnu in His Cosmic Sleep," also from central India illustrates how Vishnu created Brahma.