P1010992.JPG,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
I like the fact that you can see this in real life however I wonder if some Hindu people might find staring at this disrespectful. Like someone gawking at your cross or manger. It also kind of gives the idea that this is not a peice of living art, but that may be because we don’t see many non obsolete art peices.
(Flickr comment, April 14, anonymous from aeah3770)
Small Shrine,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
After reading the note below the image (A small shrine in an office in Chennai, India) I better understood why there was newspaper and flowers framing the mural. It is my assumtion that it is a utilitarian art piece that is used in contrast of art for arts sakes to be beatiful.
jwp
(Flickr comment, April 14)
P1030036.JPG,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
The contrast of color is what stood out to me immediatly in this photo. I think this would be a great example of how Hindu’s would actually view these works by being clothed and the flowers that you would not see in a museum. I think its actually harmful to the sculptures in the museum because the culture behind the statues is what really makes them unique and that much more interesting. As a teacher I think it would be a good discussion in class about the aesthetic value, that the museums may or may not place more value on, and the actual religious values and what role they play in them. I think students can take a lot from this seeing “two sides of the coin” so to speak.
Dylan D’Pulos
(Flickr comment, April 14)
Murti at North Texas Hindu Mandir,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
I found this very interesting and helpful in understanding their culture more. I really enjoyed hearing the Hindu priest talk about the religion and the involvement of the sculptural statues. I also find it interesting that the figures are all wearing acutual clothing and decorated with jewelry instead of it all being sculpted and painted on as decoration.
ME
(Flickr comment, April 14)
Ganesha, Shiva,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
I knew a little about Hinduism coming into this, but it was very helpful to have a Hindi priest sit down and just talk about their beliefs and explain why and how they go about worship and what it means to them. In only five minutes I already have a better understanding of the religion than I had before.
The thing that really stands out to me about this is the usefulness of using videos to give context to my lessons. As a learner, I can see how helpful it is to be given even a small amount of insight before going into a setting where I am not knowledgable. Were I in a classroom setting I would be more prepared to analyze and understand the things I was seeing in a museum having had this information.
Having this background information makes me more curious about what the symbols on the statues actually mean. Instead of just looking at these pictures and seeing a very ornate elephant man, I now notice the larger head and the position of the hands and the symbols drawn on the bodies and clothes of these statues.
I can definitely see how having a set up online like this would work well for distributing information in a classroom setting.
~Kasey S.
P1020817.JPG,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
The turqouise colored columns on this picture stands out to me. The columns caught my attention much more than the sculpture they are surrounding. It is interesting how the color around the sculpture is so vibrant and eye-catching, yet the creator chose to make the actual sculpture a matte, dark color. It is especially interesting compared to other colorful sculptures in this photo collection.
-MK
Please watch the new video content on Murti and Ganesha from the perspective of the Pandit at the North Texas Hindu Mandir. Go to the “What is a Murti? Who is Ganesha?” page to watch the video.
This structure is beautiful and I hope to visit it some day! the colors and details complement each other well.
JT
(Flickr comment, Nov. 21)
Having viewed the images on Flickr prior to viewing them in the museum made me appreciate the artwork more. I was able to see the items in their settings and even see some of the statues being worked on by their creator. Then to see the images in person really allowed me to think about the lifetime of the statue or artifact. I always find it helpful to learn a little background of the culture of where artwork was created to give you a better appreciation and understanding of its importance to that culture.
Jacqui B
(Flickr comment, Nov. 21)
Harihara,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
It was good to see this sandstone stele up close to take in the details; however, the setting is quite sterile when compared to seeing Indian art objects used in religious ceremonies. If I had not seen images of this religious imagery in context, I don’t think I would be as likely to take a second look.
What I find the most interesting about Hindu sculpture is that the huge role they actively play in this religion. Because each deity has a fairly specific role/persona you can get a sense of that from the statues. Devi looks and feels like a protective mother. The actual creation of an image, let alone a giant statue, of a deity is a bold move in most religions. Christians and Catholics paintings/sculpture portray Jesus often, but God is rarely seen so fully as the Hindu Gods.
Dylan D.
(Flickr comment, Nov. 4)
I find the detail and definition of this structure very interesting. I like how this photo gives me a perspective of the true scale of this building.
KH
(Flickr comment, Nov. 12)
It is interesting seeing the difference between the western way of displaying art - even in a religious context (like a catholic cathedral) and the way it is displayed here. It is dizzying and rather overwhelming with all the colors and shapes stacked upon one and other, and yet, the colors seem to work together to create a sense of unity - and a bit of confusion.
Linda A.
(Flickr comment, Nov. 4)
I enjoy the additions of secondary elements in many of the Hindu sculptures. I feel that the use of Hindu dress, and necklaces add a unique element. This is an interesting contrast to what I am accustoming to seeing from European sculpture.
Bob Abernacky
(Flickr comment, Nov. 4)
This reminds me of the Catholic ritual of prayer candles. Many Catholics and Christians too, light candles and place them in front of statues of saints or at shrines as a symbol of their prayers being offered up to God. Because the candles continually burn as a silent vigil, they became known as vigil lights.
Megan
(Flickr comment, Nov. 4)
oh wow, this is breath taking. I really like that we were able to see some of the intricate sculptures being crafted in other photos so we could get a feel for the work that goes into constructing something like this temple. And I love that this photo allows us to see the temple within its surroundings.
Jacqui B
(Flickr comment, Nov. 4)
The “hundred boys” motif represents wishes for fecundity, both in the sense of propagation as well as productivity and creativity in general.
anonymous
(Flickr comment, Nov. 12)
New Temple,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
Many of the Hindu sculptures in museums are often from temples that were destroyed or damaged badly. They try to use these pieces in the museums rather than getting rid of them and considering them now worthless pieces. This temple that is under construction fascinates me with its’ vibrant colors. These temples are created for Hindu worship.
Josie K.
Ganesha,
originally uploaded by crow_collection.
I like this image because it illustrates how the Hindu religion is incorporated into everyday life in India. It recalls an image from the lesson “Hindu Sculpture in Use,” showing retail stores named after Hindu deities. Additionally, it reminds me of people here in the U.S. who may have a St. Christopher Medal in their car or a rosary hanging from the rear view mirror. There seems to be a similar sentiment in both places, but using different symbols.
Caroline M.
Hindu deities are a part of everyday life in India because many people find their strength and guidance through them. This artist is painting “Vishnu” in Malayalam, the language of the region, on the front of the vehicle.
Vishnu’s vehicle is the eagle Garuda, who is able to safely travel as fast as the sun and as freely as the wind.
This sculpture of Garuda from the 10th century is in the Indian National Museum in Delhi. It would have once been a part of a Hindu temple.
