Nippon canvas

The section of the exhibit that depicts the traditional Japanese robe, Kimono

Visiting a museum can often be a solitary experience. One either stands in front of an exhibit, reading the information displayed next to it, or takes an audio tour. But what if the curator of an exhibition takes you through the artefacts where you will be explained not only what's before you, but where the thought that went into putting it all together will also be revealed. The Piramal Art Foundation, through its Discovering Japanese Art exhibition, aims to redefine this experience by weaving in an element of interaction with the curator.

Sneha Shah

Expect to spot beautiful screens from the rich Edo period of Japanese history, some of the earliest wooden block prints that might have left Japan's shores, objects that symbolise the Wabi Sabi philosophy that believes in the imperfection of beauty among other exhibits. "The Japanese revere this philosophy, and we have miniature paintings where the artist has painted fungus on the canvas as part of his work because the process is only natural," explains Sneha Shah, manager of the Piramal Art Foundation and curator of the exhibition. "We also have the Hotaru lantern, which is a contemporary artefact that was part of the London Biennale," she adds.

Shah, who interned at the Art Institute of Chicago, feels that there hasn't been a lot of change in the museum visiting experience in India. "What we aim to do with this exhibition is make it more interactive and experiential. So, we have a video of the well-known and elaborate Japanese tea ceremony playing at the exhibition, while I tell the visitors why we chose to display the ornate kimonos after the Edo period screens," she explains.

For the art connoisseur, there is also a display of Japanese miniatures, where one can appreciate the similarity in perspective when it comes to their Indian counterparts.

On: Till December 15, 1 pm to 9 pm
At: Piramal Museum of Art, Lower Parel
Call: 30465912