GODS, HEROES AND CLOWNS: PERFORMANCE AND NARRATIVE IN SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART
For centuries past, the many countries, ethnic groups and religions of South and Southeast Asia have enjoyed rich storytelling traditions, using lavishly illustrated storyteller’s cloths to recite the great Hindu epics and animated puppet shows to portray the exploits of local folk heroes and mythical kings. A new NGV exhibition titled ‘Gods, Heroes and Clowns: Performance and Narrative in South and Southeast Asian Art’ will explore these stories, their performance, and ongoing role within contemporary society.
More than 50 rarely seen works from India, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and Cambodia will be showcased, including storyteller’s cloths, ceremonial hangings, puppets, sculptures, paintings and masks, which are used in rural villages, royal courts, temples and modern urban settings. Many of…