CONNECTING PEOPLE, CONNECTING CULTURES, INTERROGATING MUSEUMS

Highlights from Bihar Museum Biennale

The second edition of Bihar Museum Biennale opened its doors on August 7th, 2023, bringing together various symposiums, exhibits, virtual tours and workshops from across the country. Also showcasing their collections are four Indian museums and eight international shows. International exhibits from eight countries- Nepal, Brazil, France and Italy encapsulated the biennale’s theme of “Connecting People, Connecting Cultures and Interrogating Museums”.

The main symposium consisted of various discourses around museums and museum development- an area that is gradually becoming an important subject of study. The way we experience museums has significantly changed in the past few decades. From simple spaces that store historical objects to sites that aim to stimulate change and deeper interrogation of existing institutional structures- museums are continuously looking towards transforming into cultural spaces with greater interaction and inclusivity. From cultural preservation to economic sustainability and technological integration, the discussions encapsulate the multifaceted roles museums play in today’s rapidly changing cultural landscape.

“Museums speak of the unbroken thread of a civilization’s memory, creating a space where profound ideas thrive. The Bihar Museum Biennale stands as a remarkable example of this phenomenon, as it not only showcases beauty but also represents the diverse and pluralistic culture of India. Within its walls, the richness of India’s heritage is vividly portrayed, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tapestry of the nation’s history and identity,” says Chief Curator and Artistic Producer of the biennale, Dr. Alka Pande.

Traditional museum exhibits often featured static displays, inviting passive observation. However, a paradigm shift is occurring towards dynamic engagement and interactive exhibits. Museums are leveraging technology and innovative display techniques to create immersive environments that encourage active participation and a more personalised experience for visitors. Museums are increasingly recognizing the importance of inclusivity, shedding their exclusive image. The cultural landscape is evolving, and museums are responding by embracing diverse narratives and perspectives. This inclusive approach not only reflects the richness of human experience but also makes museums more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.

Here are some interesting exhibits at the Bihar Museum Biennale 2023:

Nature Strikes Back

Prized photographer Emmanuel Lenain’s lens not only captures the consequences of time and human intervention on the natural environment in this exhibition, but also reveals a powerful narrative of nature striking back. Each photograph in the exhibition serves as a testament to the Earth’s resilience and its ability to reclaim spaces once dominated by human structures. Lenain’s photographic series delves into the sombre reality of environmental decay and the profound impact of human intervention on the delicate balance between civilization and the natural habitat. Through hauntingly beautiful black and white photographs, Lenain invites viewers to witness the consequences of time and neglect on our surroundings.

The images communicate a story of forgotten spaces now repurposed by nature, illustrating a poignant reversal of roles where the environment, once a backdrop to human activities, now becomes the main protagonist, showcasing the transformative power of the natural world.

Suryakal: Sabhyata, Samaj, Samay

This exhibit brings together artist Udayraj Gadnis and photographer Shailendra Kumar, and their interpretations and representations of the sun. The exhibit encompasses three dimensions- Sabhyata, Samaj and Samay. It urges the viewer to explore the relationship that humans share with the sun, through spiritually inspired paintings of Gadnis (Sabhyata– meaning civilization), and through the pulsating and dynamic compositions of Kumar’s photographs of Chhath (Samaj-meaning society/community).

Also embraced in this exhibit is an imagination and representation of a future powered by the sun and its energy. Samay embodies an idea of a healthier future with the use of Himawari lighting system which provides natural sunlight indoors.

Nepal: ‘Where The Gods Reside’

A significant aspect of the second edition of Bihar Museum Biennale is their collaboration with cultural establishments of various countries. One of such collaborations is with the Nepal Arts Council, presenting Nepal: Where The Gods Reside at the biennale. The exhibit displays an array of artworks by visual artists from Nepal, and aims to showcase the spiritually inclined culture of the country. Through various mediums, the artworks depict the many different forms of Buddhist and Hindu deities. The divine beings are painted and carved in an intricate manner, simultaneously indicating the meditative nature of the spiritual practices that are strongly linked to the culture of Nepal.

Shadakshari Lokeshvara, also known as Sadaksari Avalokitesvara, is a significant figure in Mahayana Buddhism and a revered bodhisattva. The name “Shadakshari” is derived from the six-syllable mantra associated with this deity, known as the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra.

Shadakshari Lokeshvara is often depicted in a compassionate and benevolent form, embodying the ideal of compassion (karuna) in Buddhism. The six syllables of the mantra are believed to represent the purification of the six realms of existence in the cycle of birth and rebirth. This painting depicts the deity in the centre, Manjusri (representing wisdom) on the lower right side and Vajrapani– “thunderbolt bearer” (representing the power of compassion and the energy of the enlightened mind) on the lower left side.

Three Dimensions of Divinity

Also presenting at the Bihar Museum Biennale is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai. The exhibit boasts of a significant lithographic prints collection of Thanjavur paintings, generously given by private collector Mr. Kuldip Singh who played a huge role in preserving these paintings by collecting, restoring and giving them historical context.

Developed under the patronage of the Nayak and Maratha rulers, these classical South Indian artworks are celebrated for their opulence and intricate detailing. A defining feature of Thanjavur paintings is their emphasis on themes often revolving around revered deities like Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, and Goddess Lakshmi. The compositions, marked by rich, vibrant colours, draw the viewer into a world of divine narratives.

Moreover, Thanjavur paintings have been commissioned by temples or dedicated as offerings to deities, further cementing their connection to the religious practices and artistic heritage associated with south Indian temples. The art form has played a role not only in adorning the interiors of temples but also in expressing and preserving the cultural and religious narratives of the region.

Brasilia 60+: Construction of Modern Brazil

Brasilia 60+ showcases photographs captured by architectural photographer Leonardo Finotti, highlighting the architectural excellence of Brasilia, the capital of Brazil since 1960. Brasilia’s architecture embodies a sense of futurism and progressivism that was prevalent in the post-World War II era. Oscar Niemeyer, a key figure in Brasília’s architecture, was known for his affinity for curvilinear forms and organic shapes. Rather than adhering to rigid, rectilinear designs, Niemeyer’s buildings often feature flowing curves and asymmetrical shapes that convey a sense of fluidity and dynamism. Finotti’s images document the urban landscape of the region and its character through its architectural marvels and urban planning. A city’s identity is strongly linked to its architecture, reflecting its history, values, and aspirations. In other words, it is an evolving testament to the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of its inhabitants.