Tibetan Bronzes on Exhibit at JCSM

AUBURN, Ala. -- The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is pleased to announce the opening of a small exhibition of works from the Nelson and Joan Cousins Hartman Collection of Tibetan Bronzes. The exhibition, Aspects of Buddha, is open now and will be on display through the fall semester.

Aspects of Buddha provides a selection of Buddhist images created in Tibet. Each figure tells a story meant to relay information about Buddhist thought and philosophy. The works also show the diverse region of Asia, and the combination of Indian and Chinese influences on Tibetan art. The works are cast bronze, and date back to the 15th Century. Originally the objects were venerated in Buddhist temples and private altars.

On August 21-24 monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta will create a sand mandala in the Grand Gallery of the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The public is invited to see the monks at work, and take part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the mandala making.

Open since 2003, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University is Alabama’s only university art museum. Serving as the gateway into Auburn University, the museum is home to many pieces of culturally significant art. The collection includes 100 Audubon prints, a rare group of more than 40 Tibetan bronzes dating back from the 14th century and works by important American artists, such as Arthur Dove, Georgia O’Keeffe and Lyonel Feininger. The museum rotunda hangs a three-tiered, hand-blown glass chandelier created especially for the museum by internationally-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The beauty continues onto the grounds of the museum with fifteen acres of gardens, walking paths and water features, complete with an eleven and a half foot tall brass sculpture, Spinoff, created by Auburn alumna Jean Woodham.

CONTACT: Colleen Bourdeau, Marketing and Events Manager
334.844.7075
cbourdeau@auburn.edu

Attached image:
Ming Dynasty 1400-1420s Buddha at the point of enlightenment
“After years of study and self discipline, Siddhartha attained a true understanding of the nature of life and became the Buddha, or 'Enlightened One'. This occurred while he was seated in deep meditation under a tree. According to legend, the evil King Mara, determined to prevent Siddhartha from achieving spiritual enlightenment, sent demonic warriors and beautiful temptresses to distract him from his mediation. Siddhartha was not distracted and succeeded in attaining spiritual enlightenment. At the moment of enlightenment, he reached down with his right hand and called upon the Earth to witness his virtuous deeds and his resolve. "

Reading Buddhist Art by Meher MacArthur