Transfigurations: Reanimating Ancient Art of India | David Lebrun
Gallery exhibition: September 27, 2022 – May 27, 2023
Like last year’s 45 Paleolithic Handaxes, this immersive installation by artist and experimental filmmaker David Lebrun is part of an ambitious series, Transfigurations: Reanimating the Past. Lebrun and his creative team have traveled the world to study and capture the beauty of iconic artworks in high resolution photographs. For each object type, the artist meticulously sequences and animates images of individual objects. In this years’ installation, centuries-old sculptures of the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu, as well as attendants to Vishnu, are Lebrun’s focus. The hypnotic transitions from one image to the next give coherence to the group, revealing characteristics that might not be noticeable if each ancient object were examined individually. A sound score by composer Yuval Ron aims to enhance the viewer’s experience, creating a calm, contemplative atmosphere.
The artist and his team offer extensive information about the sculptures at the Exploration Station, a touchscreen outside the Wefald Gallery. Museum visitors can use this to learn about each artwork featured in the animations. The separation of this didactic from the immersive experience in Wefald acknowledges distinctly different ways of learning and knowing. See the past differently!
Platinum Major Sponsors: Cytek Media Systems, Inc., K-State Division of Information Technology and Weary Family Foundation
Gold Sponsors: David and Mindy Weaver
Silver Sponsors: Jerry and Barbara Boettcher and Terry and Tara Cupps
Bronze Sponsors: Judy and David Regehr and Bill and Sharon Snyder
Related Free Event:
Let’s Talk Art: David Lebrun and Yuval Ron
Thursday, February 16, 2023, 12 p.m.
Livestream conversation. Zoom registration link coming soon. Stay tuned!
Top image: © Night Fire Films
Bottom image: Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja), artist unknown, 20th century, cast bronze by lost wax, gift of Dr. & Mrs. Albert B. Franklin, 1985.155. This rendition was probably created by one of the workshops in Swamimalai in southern India, a production hub for bronze sculptures of Hindu deities destined for temples, private collections, and the tourist trade. These workshops employ ancient techniques to this day.
Do You See What I See?
Gallery exhibition: September 6, 2022 – May 27, 2023
People often assume that everyone shares the same associations with an iconic image or object, such as the American flag. The title of this exhibition brings attention to the reality that people have different perspectives about popular icons and cultural ideas, which can often lead to misunderstanding and disagreement. Visitors can see recent acquisitions by Paul Rucker and Archie Scott Gobber and important works from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, including a portrait by Grant Wood and a large sculpture of an ear by John Baldessari. All artworks challenge viewers to think twice about what a familiar object or person represents and discover through conversation just how varied individual interpretations of even a common symbol can be. The loans from Crystal Bridges Museum were made possible by a Collection Loan Partnership with Art Bridges, which seeks to increase access to and engagement with American art in rural and regional venues. The exhibition presents artworks that challenge viewers to engage in dialogue with those who have different thoughts about what something means.
Platinum Major Sponsors: Art Bridges, The Alms Group, Friends of the Beach Museum of Art and Greater Manhattan Community Foundation’s Lincoln & Dorothy I. Deihl Community Grants Program
Gold Sponsors: Beach-Edwards Family Foundation
Bronze Sponsors: Steve and Janet Cooper, Russell Clay Harvey and Patty McGivern
Related Free Event:
Do You See What I See? Diverse Perspectives on Iconic Images and Objects
Thursday, November 3, 5:30 p.m.
In-person and livestream
Introduction to the exhibition through conversations about select works with a group of invited participants, including K-State campus leaders and students and community members.
Click here to register and join the free program via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the program.
Support provided by
Image: Paul Rucker, Four Little Girls (stamps), 2019, from the series Commemorative Stamp Set, inkjet print on paper, 8 1/2 x 11 in., 2020.55b