Two lovers sharing a drink, Rajasthan, Jaipur ca. 1780 / Speedmuseum.org

The Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, is hosting an exhibition dedicated to South Asian paintings for the first time in its nearly 100-year institutional history.

‘India: South Asian Paintings from the San Diego Museum of Art’ features two exhibitions, with the first showcasing portraits and paintings of Indian rulers, elites, and courtly pastimes; and the second exploring the role of elephants in South Asian oral and visual traditions. 

The exhibition opened for public viewing on February 16, until May 12, 2024, at the Special Exhibitions Galleries, third floor, North Building. Artworks will be returned to the San Diego Museum after May 12, where they are originally housed. 

“Dive into a night of cultural celebration for the grand opening of India: South Asian Paintings from the San Diego Museum of Art at the Speed! Gallery tours, dance performances, tasty food, and a silent disco. Don't miss this party,” the museum posted on X. 

 

Dive into a night of cultural celebration for the grand opening of India: South Asian Paintings from the San Diego Museum of Art at the Speed! Gallery tours, dance performances, tasty food, and a silent disco. Don't miss this party, tickets - https://t.co/HCz0XVirgL pic.twitter.com/04bAmXE9vT

— Speed Art Museum (@SpeedArtMuseum) February 13, 2024

The exhibition is assembled by Dr Ladan Akbarnia, curator of South Asian and Islamic Art at the San Diego Museum of Art. She specializes in art from medieval Iran and Central Asia. Before being displayed at the Speed, the exhibition was shown at the CentroCentro de Cibeles, in Madrid, Spain, according to a report.

“This is an extraordinary chance to present a historical overview of South Asian life, culture, and art, and more importantly, will allow us to bring related programming, cinema screenings, and learning opportunities about this rich cultural heritage to the Kentuckiana region,” the museum’s website noted. 

Visitors will witness paintings from four centuries, representing Hindu, Persianate, and Islamic artistic traditions. The exhibition features 1400+ pieces from the 16th to 19th centuries and is “one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of South Asian paintings outside of modern-day Pakistan and India.” It also includes paintings made for the Mughal, Deccani, Rajasthani, and Parahi courts. 

The first exhibit featuring portraits from the courts of Indian rulers will be presented in three sections – 1. The Throne, 2. The Chase, and 3. The Heart – exploring images of power and authority, the royal hunt, and courtly love. 

The second exhibit will feature splendid paintings, studies, and designs dedicated to the revered elephant. It will be presented in four sections – 1. Elephants in Indian Literature, 2. Elephants in Action, 3. Powerful Processions, 4. Portraits and Preservation.