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Ramayana miniatures go on show in Canberra
Canberra, May 21
An exhibition of 101 vintage
miniature paintings that string together a grand narrative of the
ancient Indian epic 'Ramayana' opened at the National Gallery of
Australia (NGA) here, said a statement.
Titled "The story of
Rama: Indian Miniatures from the National Museum, New Delhi", the
three-month show features paintings done between the 17th and 19th
centuries. And it is the first major initiative under a recently-inked
agreement on culture between India and Australia.
NGA director
Gerard Vaughan said the exhibition of "vibrant and exquisite Indian
miniature paintings is important" for the gallery.
"It forms part of our commitment to share the art and rich cultural heritage of India with all Australians," he said.
The
exhibition began on Wednesday and is open till August 23, 2015. In
November 2014 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the
field of arts and culture between Australia and India was inked during
the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the continent-country.
The
agreement demonstrates India's readiness to partner with countries and
celebrate the arts, pointed out India's High Commissioner Navdeep Suri.
"We
hope that all Australians enjoy these wonderful works of art that
reveal one of my country's most well-known stories," he said.
National
Museum's curator Vijay Kumar Mathur, who has selected the 101 paintings
in Achronological progression capturing the story of the Ramayana,
revealed that the collection had been pooled in from India's northern,
central and eastern territories.
"These miniatures are from
schools such as Mughal, Deccan, Pahari, Rajasthan and Central India.
They represent a matured movement that colourfully visualises the spirit
of the Ramayana," he said.