Tibetan Bronzes on Exhibit at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Tuesday, 19 August 2008 01:00

AUBURN, AL - The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art announced the opening of a small exhibition of works from the Nelson and Joan Cousins Hartman Collection of Tibetan Bronzes. The exhibition, Aspects of Buddha, is open now and will be on display through the fall semester. On August 21-24 monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta will create a sand mandala in the Grand Gallery of the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The public is invited to see the monks at work, and take part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the mandala making.

Aspects of Buddha provides a selection of Buddhist images created in Tibet. Each figure tells a story meant to relay information about Buddhist thought and philosophy. The works also show the diverse region of Asia, and the combination of Indian and Chinese influences on Tibetan art. The works are cast bronze, and date back to the 15th Century. Originally the objects were venerated in Buddhist temples and private altars.

“After years of study and self discipline, Siddhartha attained a true understanding of the nature of life and became the Buddha, or 'Enlightened One'. This occurred while he was seated in deep meditation under a tree. According to legend, the evil King Mara, determined to prevent Siddhartha from achieving spiritual enlightenment, sent demonic warriors and beautiful temptresses to distract him from his mediation. Siddhartha was not distracted and succeeded in attaining spiritual enlightenment. At the moment of enlightenment, he reached down with his right hand and called upon the Earth to witness his virtuous deeds and his resolve. "

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art home to Auburn University's collection of American and European art. Nearly 40,000-sq.-ft. building offers 8 exhibition galleries, gift shop, restaurant, auditorium, formal sculpture gardens.

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