Visiting the Rubin Museum of Art accompanied by Professor Katherine Behar and her Introduction to Digital Photography class was a one of a kind experience. Studying some of the art work in exhibition while being guided by Ms. Laura Lomberd, Assistant Manager of University Programs and Partnerships at The Rubin Museum of Art allowed the group to understand various aspects of the Himalayan culture and the exploration of such through art. The first exhibition we observed was  ‘Tibet in Comics’ which portrays emblematic forms of the lama within concepts developed by artists interested in interpreting specific aspects of Tibetan culture through comic books. We studied a particular piece in the Comics section, named “Milarepa Meditating.” We went over detailed visual cues like the figures around the central image of Milarepa, a wise poet and yogi who was relevant in the development of Buddhism.  This specific work of art explores the idea of the vastness of the spiritual space portrayed through a visual narration that invites the audience to engage and learn more about the quality of life achieved by such figures through meditation.

Next we moved up to ‘The Body Unbound – Modernist Art from India’ exhibition located on the 6^thfloor of the museum. Most of the art work under this exhibit represents the multiple expectations India had after it became a free nation. Going over some of the pieces crafted by Indian artists I was able to see an interesting contrast between these contemporary forms of art and ancient pieces we previously looked over. It does not take much effort to get inspired by the vivid colors, movement and shapes present in the art work, but also in the multiple ways in which the characters on the paintings communicate with the audience. One example of a work of art professor’s Behar class studied at the museum is “Love, Deception and Intrigue” by Nalini Malani (1985-86) which can be interpreted as a narrative through which every single figure on the canvas speaks to us in one way or another. Each character portrayed by the artist has his/her own personality which is perceived through their facial expressions, their postures and place they take on the canvas. This painting by Malani and several others from the exhibitions became the source of inspiration for students when exploring their identities and working on unique ways to represent them through self-portraiture.

Katherine Behar is a new media and performance artist, Assistant Professor of New Media at Baruch College. Her artwork spans interactive installation, performance art, public art, photography and video art to explore contemporary digital culture. Her projects mix low and high technologies, creating hybrid forms that are by turns humorous and sensuous. For full Bio, click here

How did you become a faculty fellow at the Rubin Museum of Art? What was the initial purpose of working along with the Rubin?

The Rubin Faculty Fellowship program was started by Dr. Stan Altman last year. Each year, they invite applications from interested faculty members. This year, I am one of five fellows; the others are Prof. Donna Gitter, Prof. Zoë Sheehan Saldaña, Prof. Amy Estes, and Prof. Don Waisanen.

I am interested in finding ways of bridging the old and the new with respect to our new Tier III Minor in New Media Arts. The RMA provides a unique opportunity to seek out intersections between centuries old, traditional forms and emerging art forms, for example by comparing the function of culturally specific works from the RMA collection with the global extent of new media, which often makes new media seems universal.

As a fellow, I am working on developing some assignments that use the museum, its exhibitions, and its resources to address issues that are pertinent to new media art.

More information about the program and its origins appears on Dr. Altman’s website for the project:

http://www.altcprojects.org/rubinmuseumproject

And on the blog:

http://www.altcprojects.org/blog-3/category/rubin-museum

What type of research have you been able to conduct since you became a fellow?

This semester, my digital photography class is working on the first assignment that I have developed in relation to the RMA. My students are now working on developing a portfolio of self-portraits based on a visit to the museum. The Rubin’s current exhibit, The Body Unbound, shows some wonderful examples of how conceptions of identity – and representations of identity in the form of portraiture – vary across cultures.

How are you applying such research to the programs within the Fine and performing Arts department at Baruch?

The digital photography self-portraiture assignment is one example. I hope to incorporate other assignments in my Introduction to New Media Arts class next fall.

How do you define NEW MEDIA?

New Media is an exciting interdisciplinary field in which artists explore new tools, methods, materials, and forms for cultural production. New Media is a moving target; definitions are difficult because the field is constantly redefining itself. A new “new” is always emerging, and as global culture evolves many old media are also being “renewed” through digital technology.

How relevant is NEW MEDIA from an international business perspective?

My feeling is that new media is relevant from just about every perspective! The digital turn is rapidly changing most areas of cultural production, as well as our experiences of everyday life. New media and digital technology have affected the circulation of our culture, both in terms of the design of new communication technologies (and here I mean both functional and aesthetic design), and in terms of the standards for sharing and exchange cultural products (and here I mean both technical protocols and social mores). New media’s impact on communication and sharing are two examples of how changes in cultural circulation affect international business.

View Professor Behar’s work

 

On a recent trip to the Rubin Museum of Art, Diana and I observed the Himalayan and Hindu artwork. Through a partnership with the Shelly and Donald Rubin Foundation established by Professor Stan Altman, Baruch Students and faculty receive a waived admission fee. Housing both classic and modern Tibetan art, the museum is a bit like a time machine taking you through centuries of evolving art work. From a recreation of a Hindu meditation room to vibrant abstract art, the Rubin Museum  is a great introduction into Tibetan culture.

This is the first of a series of posts as part of our exploration of Tibetan culture in New York City.