Mingei International Museum to feature SONABAI ~ Another Way of Seeing

Written by Virgil Espinosa Tuesday, 06 July 2010 22:06

San Diego, CA - SONABAI – Another Way of Seeing, opens at Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park on Sunday, July 26, 2009 and closes October 16, 2010. It is the first exhibition in the western hemisphere to feature the art of a remarkable self-taught artist, who as a young bride, was forced by her husband to live in tot al isolation for 15 years. During that oppressed time, she saw only her husband and their one child, a son. Separated from the outside world, Sonabai populated the interior mud walls of her home with colorful, whimsical sculptures created exclusively from her own vivid imagination. Unfamiliar with any art outside the limited decorations of her village, she invented a style all her own and unique in Indian art. When her confinement ended and villagers entered her home, they were astounded by her vision.

Gradually, Sonabai’s reputation spread and, in 1983, she was awarded the highest honor that any artist in India can receive. At the insistence of the President of India, she journeyed to New Delhi to receive her award where she immediately caught the attention of the Indian and international art world . For two decades, she traveled extensively throughout India and overseas ex hibiting her art. Although an essentially shy and withdrawn woman, Sonabai, with government encouragement, conducted workshops and taught many other artists her unusual techniques, strongly influencing their creativity.

Today in the remote rural villages of her central Indian state, many other artists practice Sonabai’s style. Through the necessity of expressing her own vision in the face of great adversity, Sonabai unintentionally improved the economy and welfare of her entire region.

The message of Sonabai’s art is universal. Her story echoes the urgent need of humanity to express itself creatively. In the words of exhibition curator Dr. Stephen Huyler, “Sonabai drew her inspiration from deep within her soul and she has never sought recognition. The sole purpose of her art was to bring solace and to balance the inequities that framed her existence.”

Designed by Guest Curator Huyler, the exhibition includes 14 large sculptures created in collaboration with Sonabai’s family, complemented by 45 other pieces sculpted by six artists trained under Sonabai: her son and daughter-in-law, Daroga Ram and Rajenbai Rajawar, Atma Das Manikpuri, Sundaribai Rajawar, Bhagat Ram Rajawar and Parabatibai Sarthi. Large photomurals and framed prints by Stephen Huyler and film clips by the well-known filmmaker David Wright infuse the exhibition with scenes of Sonabai’s home and community and the artists’ production techniques. Two illustrated books by Stephen Huyler accompany the exhibition — Sonabai: Another Way of Seeing and Daughters of India. In addition, Huyler has produced a documentary film on Sonabai to coincide with the opening of the exhibition.

Located at 1439 El Prado in Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday,10 a.m.– 4 p.m., and closed on Mondays and national holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for students and active military with ID. For information, call 619-239-0003 or visit www.mingei.org.

Mingei International Museum exhibits folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world. Its two museums – in San Diego and Escondido – feature Southern California’s largest and richest collection of mingei – art of the people.

Financial support is provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Mingei International Museum is funded in part by the County of San Diego Community Enhancement Program and Community Projects Fund.