“A new and unique experience - the art galleries in the Freer were transformed with the power of live dance and music evoking the Gods and Goddesses. Historically art, dance, and music coexisted in temples and today in a museum - a sacred space. ‘Everything is made in Space, by the Space, and dissolves in Space.’”
Divine Vessels: Exploring Space through Indian Dance and Music contemplates ideas of space, considering both the human body and physical spaces as vessels of spirituality and divinity. Inspired by masterpieces from the Indian subcontinent in the museum’s collection, they explore how the human body is a container and vehicle of expression that exists within the larger context of physical spaces, in this case, the museum itself. Accompanied by an ensemble of musicians including classical Indian flutist Ravi Kulur, vocalist Nandakumar Unnikrishnan, and percussionist Kartik Vydhatri, the collective revisits a time when dance and music coexisted in temples to celebrate Hindu gods and goddesses. Designed as an interactive program, artists and audience participants move through the museum space to appreciate the extraordinary culture of the Indian subcontinent. On a personal level, they reconsider how notions of internal self and outer context exist in harmony.
“Blown away by the virtuosity, depth and spirituality of this performance...an opportunity to experience the dances and music so beautiful and spiritual — right here in Washington, DC.”
“Another creative and unique performance with the dancers and musicians leading the audience through the rooms of Asian art and performing interpretations of the art displayed in each room.”
Presented in collaboration with the Freer | Sackler, the Smithsonian’s museums of Asian art as part of its Fridays@Freer | Sackler series.