Ariana Maki: "Inside Ta Dzong: Bhutanese Art and History through the National Museum Collection"

Abstract:

With its abundance of murals, paintings, sculptures, and ritual objects, Bhutan's material record remains remarkably intact. Yet it also remains significantly understudied, especially when compared to its cultural neighbors, Nepal and Tibet. Housed in a 17th century watchtower-fortress (Ta Dzong), the National Museum of Bhutan is frequently on the itineraries of tourists and scholars, however, many of the institution's most remarkable works are rarely, if ever, on view. This presentation draws from a two-year stay with the National Museum and a larger research project to compile the first art history of Bhutan. The talk will examine thangka from the collection–situating them in local and regional histories, delineating their distinctive aesthetic qualities, and addressing their broader socio-political contexts and meanings–with the aim of increasing recognition and appreciation of Bhutan's artistic heritage.

Bio:

Ariana is an art historian with expertise in Bhutan and the broader Himalaya. As part of her stay with the National Museum of Bhutan, she co-authored and edited Artful Contemplation, the institution's first catalog of the collection. Ariana's current research examines the workshops, patrons, and artists who made significant contributions to Bhutanese art history, which are the focus of a volume in progress. A two-time Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Bhutan, Ariana has worked with a range of institutions, including the Royal University, the Zhung Dratshang Preservation and Antiquities Center, and the National Library and Archives.