LINA2023

Supported by the Rubin Museum of Art, this course introduces you the multivalent world of Buddhist art in Asia with particular focus on the Himalayan region, including Tibet, India, and Nepal. Divided into two parts, the course first introduces various regions and genres of Buddhist art. In the second part, students investigate art production in historically-specific circumstances of Himalayan Buddhist realm. This part provides students with the opportunity to address complex issues regarding ritualistic and performative aspects of Buddhism, the relation between art, religion, and state. In addition to familiarizing you with Buddhist art and iconography in Asia, particularly the Himalayan area, this course will also delve into art historical issues of chronology and style while addressing contemporary production and restoration practice of Tantric Buddhist art. Weekly seminars feature instructor’s brief introduction to the chosen topics, followed by students’ discussions of the related artifacts. Aside from engaging with Buddhist arts in the classroom, students will also actively engage with the collection and current exhibitions of the Rubin Museum of Art. The course is open to all, no prior knowledge in Buddhist art or the region is required, and readings are all in English.