Perception and Presence Come Together in Hindu Art Exhibit

COLUMBIA DAILY TRIBUNE

By Amy Wilder

MISSOURI---Visitors to "Seeing the Divine in Hindu Art" at the University of Missouri's Museum of Art and Archaeology might have the sensation of being watched. This isn't because there are badly disguised eyeholes cut into paintings for spying, or due to the abovementioned optical illusion. Curator of Collections Jeffrey Wilcox explained that images of Hindu deities are created to serve as vessels or conduits for an active divine presence — that can see the viewer — when ritually invoked. He pointed out one image, a silver plaque showing the eyes of the goddess Devi from 19th century India. [link]

Museum of Art and Archaeology: "Seeing the Divine in Hindu Art," Pickard Hall on the Missouri University campus.  Through Dec. 16, 2012. Website: maa.missouri.edu