An Afternoon at the Rubin, or Now I Know Something About Himalayan Art
At first glance, the Rubin Museum seems very daunting. A whole collection devoted to Himalayan and East Asian art? Sounds interesting, but a little esoteric for someone like me who knows nothing about this culture. However, the Rubin has created a great framework for beginners, making this museum an excellent introduction into the culture of the Himalayas and especially to Buddhist art and beliefs.
The museum’s exhibitions are designed to gradually ease beginners into this world. The first exhibition is the “Gateway to Himalayan Art,” which not only introduces visitors to the main figures and deities depicted, but also provides a study guide for the meanings of their gestures, their postures, and the objects that they hold. These explanations are presented in a clear chart on the wall, but you can also pick up a free “Looking Guide” to carry with you (it was so informative, I took mine home). Once you’ve learned what to look for, you can explore the exhibition on the next floor, “Masterworks: Jewels of the Collection,” to see the highlights of the Rubin’s collection with a more well-informed eye. On the upper floors you can find more specialized exhibitions; at the moment, the main draw is “Becoming Another,” an exhibition of masks that place Himalayan examples alongside those of other cultures, such as Native American tribal masks and Japanese theatrical masks.
What really struck me about this museum is its relevance today. The objects on display date from before the tenth century through to the present day, and the exhibitions highlight the continuing tradition of such objects. For instance, one of the most interesting exhibits is a step-by-step demonstration of hollow metal devotional sculptures are made. To create this exhibit, the Rubin commissioned such a statue from Nepal in 2010 and documented the entire process. The museum also stresses the currency of the Buddhist religion, showcasing a detailed and spiritually moving recreation of a Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room.
A visit to the Rubin means stepping outside of New York for a few hours into the art and traditions of East Asia. I’ll definitely go back to see the upcoming exhibition on the Drigung Tradition (opening on April 24), and to try the Himalayan food at the Serai Cafe, which smelled delicious. #rubinmuseum