New Exhibition at Asia Society Texas Center Fascinating Depictions of Indian Gods and Goddesses

HOUSTON: Asia Society Texas Center will present a series of vibrant photographs by Brooklyn-based Indian contemporary artist Manjari Sharma and modern chromolithographs produced by the Raja Ravi Varma Press in an exhibition entitled Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine, on view May 2 through September 14. This is the first time these artists’ works have been presented together in Texas.

The exhibition of nearly 60 images will be on view in the Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery at the Texas Center and is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

“Transcendent Deities of India features Hindu gods and goddesses depicted in the less familiar formats of photography and chromolithography which demonstrates their ongoing relevance to more recent artists who utilized the technology of their eras,” said Bridget Bray, director of exhibitions, Asia Society Texas Center. “These modern and contemporary representations of the deities preserve the tangible connection between worshippers and the objects of their reverence, which has an important religious function as well as making the works visually compelling to a broader audience.” Bray notes that religious pilgrims frequently make arduous journeys to see important depictions of deities in place at temples and other settings.

“We are thrilled to bring this fascinating exhibition of Indian art to Houston,” said Bonna Kol, executive director, Asia Society Texas Center. “This is a unique opportunity to promote understanding between cultures by viewing aspects of religious art and practice in South Asia through a modern and contemporary lens.”