Pratirupa is a joint initiative of the National Crafts Museum, Purvasha Folk and Tribal Arts Museum, and the Odi Arts Centre, Odisha, eastern India. The collection showcases masks from India, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Korea, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, showcasing the unique spiritual, ritual and theatrical depth of each culture.
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Traditional Asian masks are on display at the exhibition. |
In addition, Pratirupa helps the public explore the common symbols, sacred stories and ancient performance traditions in mask-making across Asia, opening up an insight into cultural similarities that transcend all borders.
“In a world filled with divisions, this exhibition is a testament to our deep cultural bonds,” said Junhi Han, Director of the UNESCOCultural Division. “Masks are not just cultural artifacts, but expressions of identity, ritual and memory. They remind us of the common humanity that spans ancient Asian civilisations.”
In this collection, viewers can see a series of masks representing humans, spirits, demons, gods, animals and anthropomorphic forms… The collection can be divided into groups: Sacred masks used to appease evil gods and are used in rituals rather than performing arts; masks symbolizing ancestors, protecting the well-being of the family; masks used to tell stories through performing arts activities…
The artistic quality of masks varies from culture to culture, reflecting aesthetic quality at all levels regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.
The influence of ecology on mask tradition can be seen from the materials used to make the masks and the creative content. In this exhibition, the masks are mainly made from wood, papier-mâché, bamboo, terracotta and metal.
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Artist performing with traditional Indian mask. |
At the exhibition, the public also had the opportunity to enjoy the unique features of Vietnamese folk culture through the Harvest Festival mask. Carved from wood, the mask simulates the face of an old man deeply marked by time and often appears in folk plays associated with the festival celebrating a bountiful harvest. Not only a performance prop, the mask is also a symbol of wisdom, fulfillment and joy in traditional agricultural life.
The focus of the Pratirupa exhibition is to celebrate the unifying elements that shape the intersection of human thought processes and visions beyond cultural barriers. Indeed, artistic creation in human society is a pervasiveness of all things.
In today’s fast-paced world, where time-consuming and patient craftsmanship is gradually fading away, the Pratirupa exhibition is a precious space for the public to look back, understand and appreciate the profound cultural values preserved through each traditional work of art. This is not only a place to admire art but also an opportunity to connect with the roots, feel the national spirit and explore the unique intersection of Asian cultures through the lens of regionally symbolic masks.
Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/dau-an-mat-na-viet-nam-tai-trien-lam-nghe-thuat-chau-ao-an-do-postid421831.bbg
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