The Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery Marks Two Years in the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal with A Full-Day Celebration
The Friends of South Asia (FSA) at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) invite Ontarians to discover the rich and diverse cultures, histories and traditions of South Asia with a full day of events inspired by the Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery’s permanent collection on Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 11 am to 4 pm.
“People often don’t realize what a hugely diverse region South Asia is,” said Friends of South Asia Chair Neera Chopra. “Encompassing Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and the Maldives, South Asia is home to many distinctly different traditions dating back to 5,000 years. What better way to celebrate two years in the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal than to join us and enjoy family themed events that encompass a wide sampling of these cultures.”
The gallery is brought to life with dance performances, a multitude of children’s activities, film screenings and musical performances against the backdrop of the ROM’s regular exhibits and attractions including:
• Tibetan youth dances, including the famed Yak Dance, performed by The Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario Performing Arts Group
• Classical Odissi dance from India performed by members of the renowned Chitralekha Dance Academy
• Traditional Kandyan dance from Sri Lanka performed by Voice of Lanka Dance Troupe
• Indian flute (known as Bansuri, constructed from carefully chosen Bamboo to create uniquely soothing musical notes) Recital by Ajanthie Mathanakaran
• Award winning Pakistani author and storyteller Rukhsana Khan who will share tales from India, Persia and the Middle East along with her own writings
• British author Navjot Kaur, whose first book A Lion’s Mane celebrates the many connections we share as global citizens while exploring Sikh Identity
• Special film presentation of Gemini Award winner Cyrus Sundar Singh’s Painted Nation, a look at the rapidly vanishing tradition of India’s street art
•At 3 pm, the FSA are proud to co-present the Canadian book launch of esteemed Pakistani poet and artist Sadequain Naqvi’s Rubiyat Sadequain Naquash in collaboration with the Sadequain Foundation of California, who is celebrating the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary.
The late calligrapher and painter was responsible for the renaissance of calligraphic art in Pakistan and introduced the nation to mural art. His dizzying array of large murals can be seen at major galleries and museums around the world. Speakers Salman Ahmad, Ali Adil Khan and Munir Parvez will speak about Sadeqain’s life, and contextualize his art and poetry.
EVENT SUMMARY
Gallery Music, Tours and Activities - 11 am to 4 pm
Children’s Art and Crafts - 11 am to 4 pm
Main Stage Dance Performances in Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery (Tibetan, Odissi, Sri Lankan) - noon and 2 pm
Film Screening and Q&A of Walla and Painted Nation - 1 pm
Children’s Author Reading Series with Rukhsana Khan - 1:15 pm
Canadian Book Launch of Sadequain Naqvi’s Rubiyat Sadequain Naquash - 3 pm
Children’s Author Reading Series - 3:15 pm A Lion’s Mane
FURTHER INFORMATION
Programming for South Asian Heritage Day is included with Museum admission. Adults: $22; Students and Seniors with ID: $19; Children (4 to 14 years) $15; Children 3 & under are free.
To book a group of ten or more, and for more information on private guided tours or group menus, please call ROM Group Sales at 416.586.5801 or email groupsales@rom.on.ca
ROM Members already know that the best way to experience the ROM is through Membership. A ROM Individual or Family Membership delivers numerous benefits, including free general admission, newsletters, events, previews, discounts and much more. For additional information or to purchase a membership, call 416.586.5700 or visit www.rom.on.ca/members.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF SOUTH ASIA
Friends of South Asia is a special interest membership group at the ROM that was created to support the activities of the South Asia Gallery, increase public awareness of its outstanding South Asian collection, and provide high-quality South Asia programming to educate people about the rich history of South Asian arts. For additional information or to purchase a membership, call 416.586.5700 or visit www.rom.on.ca/members.
ABOUT SIR CHRISTOPHER ONDAATJE SOUTH ASIAN GALLERY
Located on Level 3 of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, this gallery’s approximate 350 objects reflect the ROM’s vast and diverse collections representing the artistic and cultural traditions of South Asia. Nine thematically organized areas present religious objects and sculpture, decorative arts, arms and armour, miniature paintings and textiles spanning over 5,000 years and originating from countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet and the Maldives.