Garden and Cosmos: the Royal Paintings of Jodhpur
28/05/09
A few years ago, Demos launched a report on Cultural Diplomacy which discussed the importance of culture and the vital role it has in international relations. Culture is both the means by which we come to understand others, and an aspect of life with value that we can truly take pleasure from. Such is the British Museum’s (BM) Garden and Cosmos exhibition which was launched on Tuesday evening.
Like many of BM’s recent exhibitions, it highlights the importance of cultural exhibitions to enable us to learn about other countries, societies and customs and in times of financial doldrums and political scandal, this is a welcome breath of fresh air.
For many, there is a fascination with the rich diversity of the art and culture from India. Such fascination comes alive with the Royal Paintings of Jodhpur. The paintings, created by court artists for three generations of 18th and 19th-century rulers, are magnificent!
They depict the balance sought between courtly life pleasures and inner spirituality and speculation. One painting presents the seven major chakras (energy centres) in both wheel and flower form and I immediately had a modern day appreciation of the benefit of personal reflection and yoga in our lives. India would indeed be the place I would go to explore yogic powers and to experience the utter calmness of mind portrayed.
The most captivating paintings are the 19th-century numinous works created for Man Singh. Dazzling colour illuminated the garden themes and yoga narratives. The gendered sand hierarchical spaces of the wives and families of the Jodhpur rulers hints at the erotic undertones of the palaces. Viewers will appreciate the points of commonality. The visceral images provide a different take on familiar household issues.
Well worth a visit, we reckon, as one leaves the museum in a state of calm satisfaction! Enjoy!