Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurates exhibition ‘Shunyata

New Delhi:29 NOV 2024:  Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the special exhibition ‘Shunyata: Emptiness’, today, at the National Museum, New Delhi. Dr. B.R. Mani, Director General of the National Museum, and a large gathering of dignitaries, diplomats, experts, researchers, artists, and museum professionals attended the programme. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasised that the profound Buddhist concept of ‘Shunyata’ is an epicenter of all the philosophical branches, which is somewhat misconceived as synonymous with voidness. Still, it is a cohesive concept bracketing your existence that unites humanity, which is essential in the current state of geopolitical crisis on the global stage. It could only be resolved by following the principles of Dhamma preached by the Lord Buddha. Dr. B.R. Mani also pointed out that emptiness in philosophy and art could be perceived and appreciated within the visualisation of formlessness, which is also manifested in the Holy Relics of Buddha.

This exhibition is a collaborative effort led by Shri Abhay K, a poet, artist, and diplomat who serves as its curator. He worked alongside the National Museum’s curatorial team, headed by Dr B.R. Mani, a renowned archaeologist and expert on Buddhist art and philosophy. The exhibition effectively communicates the essence of ‘Shunyata : Emptiness,’ as presented in the early Buddhist foundational text, the Prajnaparamita Sutra, by showcasing this profound concept through early Indian and contemporary art.

The exhibition features a vibrant collection of paintings by Shri Abhay K and an exquisite array of masterpieces from the National Museum of India, with the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha serving as the centerpiece. The theme focuses on the idea expressed in the Heart Sutra: “Emptiness is form; form is emptiness,” which is well articulated through the artworks. The artifacts and paintings serve as visualizations of emptiness. In his artworks, Shri Abhay K posits that clinging to the idea of a fixed, inherent self and perceiving fleeting experiences as permanent is the root of suffering. Understanding the concept of emptiness is essential for breaking free from suffering and the endless cycle of birth and death known as samsara. By recognising the emptiness of all things, one can liberate themselves from these misconceptions and move towards enlightenment. Dr Abira Bhattacharya, Assistant Curator (Anthropology) at the National Museum, is the exhibition’s co-curator. The exhibition will be open until 8^th December 2024, according to the museum’s schedule and operating days.