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., Greater Manhattan
Community Foundation’s Lincoln & Dorothy Diehl Community Grants Program,
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
© Night Fire Films
Related free public events:
Diwali/Festival of Lights Celebration
Thursday, October 20, 5:30 p.m.
At the Beach Museum of Art
Join the Beach Museum of Art in celebrating Diwali/Festival of Lights, a major festival of India that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Explore the traditions of this holiday: make your own paper lanterns, see a Rangoli demonstration (colorful sand patterns) and draw your own, learn how to drape a saree, enjoy festival music, performance and special Diwali treats. Organized in collaboration with the K-State chapter of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY) and the K-State Indian Student Association.
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!
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.
