Academy of Arts to host 'Bhutan' symposium
Advertiser Staff
Bhutanese Buddhism scholars, representatives from Bhutan and organizers of "The Dragon's Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan" exhibition, which opens Feb. 26 at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, will on Feb. 24 take part in a symposium at Doris Duke Theatre.
"Symposium on the Buddhism and Buddhist Art of Bhutan," set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will include a discussion of history and visual expression tied to Buddhism in Bhutan, and the role of Buddhism in modern Bhutanese society. Exhibit organizers will share personal accounts of their five-year journey to bring this exhibition from Bhutan to Honolulu. Fran'oise Pommaret of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique will serve as keynote speaker.
The exhibit focuses on the Himalayan kingdom's Buddhist art and culture. It explores Bhutan's cosmology and worldview through the window of its sacred visual arts and ritual dance (cham), using Buddhism as a lens through which to explore Bhutanese culture. On view are more than 100 thangkas (paintings), gilt bronze sculptures, textiles and ritual objects, all made for use in a Vajrayana Buddhist context, along with hours of footage of Bhutanese dance.
Admission: $25; free to members and students with student identification. To register, contact Takako Miyazawa at 808-532-8779 or
