The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is pleased to celebrate and expand access to South Asian art through innovative collaborations, commissions, and educational programming, with the generous support of Dr. Vikram Dogra and the Dogra Art Foundation. From commissioning a contemporary mural by an international artist to hosting thought-provoking lectures that examine the rich history and cultural significance of South Asian artistic traditions, MAG and the Dogra Art Foundation are working together to elevate South Asian creativity and scholarship in North America, and right here in the Rochester, NY community. Their latest efforts include the unveiling of Illusionary Odyssey, a striking mural by conceptual artist Avinash Kumar, and the upcoming Bridging Continents: Exploring South Asian Art lecture series featuring renowned scholar Dr. Darielle Mason.
Avinash Kumar’s Illusionary Odyssey
Under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Dogra, the Dogra Art Foundation is dedicated to promoting and supporting South Asian art in North America. One of the foundation’s most impactful contributions is its collaboration with MAG to expand awareness and access to South Asian art. A recent example of this commitment is the commission of Illusionary Odyssey, a mural by the visionary conceptual artist Avinash Kumar. Spanning the walls of MAG’s Hurlbut Gallery, Kumar’s work utilizes architectural pillars to create a dynamic environment that explores life’s journey through geometric forms and surreal imagery. Known for his immersive anamorphic murals, Kumar’s artistry brings an innovative perspective to the evolving narrative of South Asian contemporary art.
“The Memorial Art Gallery means a lot to me,” says Dogra. “MAG really serves the purpose of art–and that is to connect people. The South Asian Community is gradually increasing, so it is very important to make our community aware of South Asian culture.” MAG’s ongoing mural commission series, which began in 2016, has included works that delve into themes ranging from urban graffiti to collective women’s stories to humor and absurdity. With Illusionary Odyssey, the Dogra Art Foundation has further enriched this visual storytelling tradition by spotlighting the unique and transformative power of South Asian artistic expression. More information about Kumar’s Illusionary Odyssey can be found here.
Bridging Continents: Exploring South Asian Art Lecture (Saturday, March 8)
In addition to supporting visual art, the Dogra Art Foundation proudly sponsors the annual Bridging Continents lecture series at the Memorial Art Gallery, a free public event dedicated to exploring the intersections of culture, history, and artistic legacy. This year’s lecture, Bridging Continents: Exploring South Asian Art, will take place on Saturday, March 8, from 1:30–3 pm.
Attendees will be treated to a talk led by Dr. Darielle Mason, a distinguished scholar who served as the Stella Kramrisch Curator of Indian and Himalayan Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for nearly three decades. Her lecture, Sleuthing Provenance: The Strange History of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s South Indian Temple Hall will unravel the extraordinary journey of over sixty massive carved granite blocks, purchased from a South Indian temple in Madurai
and transported to a Philadelphia museum in the early 1900s. Dr. Mason will consider crucial questions surrounding authenticity, sacrality, and the ethics of repatriation. This free event is open to the public and will be followed by a reception. Registration is required and closes on Friday, March 7. Secure your spot today and immerse yourself in an eye-opening exploration of South Asian art and its evolving global significance. Click here to learn more and reserve tickets.