The Quadrangle

Issue date: 11/8/06 Section: Features

Downtown Chelsea is home to the viewer friendly art museum, The Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art.
Occupying a 7,000 square foot newly renovated building, the museum itself is a work of art, centering its attention on a spiraling marble staircase that leads the way to all six floors of the exhibitions which yield unique collections organized by genre.
The first floor provides the viewer with an easy approach to understanding the discipline of Himalayan Art, attacking it by posing four basic questions: Where is it made? Why is it made? How is it made? and, What is going on? These questions are answered via different strategies. Where the art was made is one of the characteristic differentiators of Himalayan art.
The museum considers the traditions of the Himalayas and the surrounding areas including: Tibet, Mongolia, Nepal, India, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bhutan. Wall texts and interpretive panels provide the aesthetic, social and historical perspectives. And if that is not enough, a giant world map of the East will clarify any ambiguities as to the origin of the piece. The museum takes a first hand approach to present the methods and various disciplines necessary to paint the luminous tapestries that decorate the entire third floor. Aside from the in-house artist that is currently painting a large mural on the fourth floor, flat screen televisions put the viewer next to the sculptor or painter so they may understand the long and tedious process in creating this particular art form- from a more localized point of view.
The museum currently has four major exhibitions including Early Sikh Art and Devotion that focuses on Sikh beliefs and ideals, and the roots of Sikh culture and art in the traditions of North India.
Another interesting collection presents paintings and sculptors that explore the theme of flying as a spiritual power since Buddhists believe that with spiritual advancement come such supernatural powers such as flying, and levitation. The foundational exhibit of Himalayan art focuses on female imagery. The major religions of the Himalayas- Hinduism, Buddhism, and Bon- use female imagery to personify ideas and ideals, from female Buddhas to meditational deities. Rococo gold plated masks, voluptuous metal sculptors (some with bullet holes in them) reveal some of the ancient secrets of the Himalayas- though not entirely understood by the masses- some pieces are so awesome that we can not help but be curious as to its obscure past.
The museum successfully presents the most important elements of Himalayan art form. For something more contemporary the bottom floor of the museum presents Fredrick Roberts' photos from his Asian travels. The obvious elements of color, movement, and texture pervade the photos. Whether it be a silent Hindu girl in party dress or an old man in worship, one figure becomes the focal point amidst the initial perception of mass movement.
Before heading out, a stop at the museum store is recommended. Though pricey, the items sold are native in origin and quite beautiful. The museum café is more like a restaurant serving food and drinks all day, to make your visit into this foreign fantasy as comfortable as possible.
The museum is located at 150 West 17th Street.

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