Topic: College of Fine Arts
September 5, 2008
Visitors to the Ball State Museum of Art will have the opportunity to view a diverse and comprehensive selection of Indian miniature paintings from the David T. Owsley Collection.
"David Owsley has a great curiosity for art from a variety of continents and centuries," said Peter Blume, museum director. "He has a well-developed sense of connoisseurship rather than an academic point of view, which makes him an excellent collector."
Indian miniature paintings feature intricate detail and brushwork. They date back to the sixth century when Kashmiri style miniature paintings were first created.
The paintings contain rich colors, derived from vegetables, minerals, gold, and silver. Many of the paintings include precious stones, used to emphasize different techniques and eras.
In addition to the paintings, the exhibition will include Indian bronzes and katars from the museum's collection. Katars are short swords typically used in close range hand-to-hand combat, which are useful in piercing armor. They are one of the oldest and most recognized Indian weapons.
The exhibit will be open to the public on Oct. 10 with a preview party on Oct. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., and remain on display through Jan. 4.
In addition to the collection, the museum will host two events to further celebrate India and the Indian miniature paintings. India in Indiana Family Day will be from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the museum. Youth-oriented tours, story time in the galleries, and hands-on activities will be the focus of the day. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served.
The event Friday with Friends: An Evening in India will take place from 5 to 7 p.m Dec. 12. There will be Indian food and entertainment as well as a cash bar for guests age 21 and older. Admission is free.
The museum is free to the public and open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information visit www.bsu.edu/artmuseum or call 765-285-5242.
By Alyssa Brumback