The Beyond Bollywood exhibition offers a deep dive into the captivating world of Dance Art, showcasing over 120 artworks sourced from 20 prestigious museums and private collections. This multimedia exhibition at the Asian Art Museum brings dance to life through a rich tapestry of historic and contemporary sculpture, paintings, textiles, jewelry, photographs, and more.
Visitors will journey through countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia, witnessing how dance has continuously inspired artists across diverse cultures and eras. Beyond Bollywood emphasizes the profound and lasting influence of dance on artistic expression and audience engagement. Co-curator Forrest McGill highlights the exhibition’s goal: to transform visitors’ understanding of dance’s significance and power, both historically and in contemporary life.
The exhibition design leverages the state-of-the-art Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Pavilion to create an immersive environment. Subtle musical elements and expansive video installations throughout the galleries enhance the visitor experience. Adding to the immersive nature, live dance performances within the pavilion and related dance events and programs offer firsthand encounters with the magic of dance.
Beyond Bollywood is a collaborative effort by the Asian Art Museum and the Cincinnati Art Museum. It is co-curated by Forrest McGill, Wattis Senior Curator of South and Southeast Asian Art, and Ainsley M. Cameron, Curator of South Asian Art, Islamic Art and Antiquities at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Further insights are available in the exhibition catalog published by the Asian Art Museum, featuring essays by McGill, Cameron, Laura Weinstein, Padma Kaimal, and Esha Niyogi De.
