January | February | March | Bhutanese Film Festival | Special Programming
Compare and contrast the rich Buddhist art of Bhutan with this selection of Japanese Buddhist woodblock prints from the Honolulu Academy of Arts' permanent collection. The museum is pulling out of its vaults works that span 700 years — some of them haven't been seen for more than five years. Prints such as this, along with paintings and sculptures were essential tools in the spread of Buddhist doctrine and ritual practice.
This symposium at the Doris Duke Theatre offers a behind-the-scenes look at the remarkable efforts that have made The Dragon's Gift possible. Presentations by internationally recognized scholars of Bhutanese Buddhism, eminent Buddhist representatives from Bhutan, and the curators and conservators responsible for organizing the exhibition will discuss the history and visual expression of Buddhism in Bhutan, and the continuing importance of Buddhism in modern Bhutanese society. At the same time, they will offer unique insights into the exhibition as they share personal accounts of their five-year journey to bring this exhibition from Bhutan to Honolulu. The speakers are:
Dr. Françoise Pommaret, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (keynote speaker), & Advisor to the Institute of Language and Culture studies, Royal University of Bhutan
His Eminence Tsugla Lopon, Chancellor of Buddhist Education, Dratshang and Advisor for The Dragon’s Gift
Khenpo Phuntsho Tashi, Director, National Museum of Bhutan and Advisor for The Dragon’s Gift
Dasho Sangay Wangchuk, Former Director of the Department of Culture and Former Director of the Official Monastic Body (Dratshang)
Terese Bartholomew, Curator, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and Curator of The Dragon’s Gift
John Johnston, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Assistant Curator of The Dragon’s Gift
Ephraim Jose, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Paintings Conservator for The Dragon’s Gift
Gerard Houghton, Core of Culture, Director of Documentary Footage for The Dragon’s Gift
The symposium is $25; free to members and students with student identification.
To register, contact Takako Miyazawa at (808) 532-8779 or tmiyazawa(at)honoluluacademy.org.
Bhutan has a rich textile tradition and to go with The Dragon's Gift, the museum puts on view Bhutanese textiles from its collection, which is overseen by Sara Oka. Bhutanese fabrics feature complex designs and Buddhist motifs, and are made from naturally dyed fibers of locally grown cotton silk, nettle and wool. Everything in the exhibition was crafted by women in the last 100 years. See Special Programming for more information.
The painstaking work that the Academy's Asian Art Conservation Studio did on the Bhutanese paintings in The Dragon's Gift is visually explained in "Thangka Painting and Conservation in Bhutan," in the Academy's Museum Learning Center. On display will be six "untouched" thangkas suffering from smoke damage, fly specks and other results of daily use. Also on view will be all the tools used to paint thangkas-vivid mineral paints, brushes, animal glue. Visitors can clearly see all the steps it takes to make and restore a thangka. See Special Programming for more information.
The Dragon's Gift includes more than 300 hours of video footage of traditional Bhutanese dance-dances that are slowly dying out. In this Museum Learning Center exhibition, young viewers get in on the act-watch oversize projections of Bhutanese dancers, follow their steps and movements, try on masks and costumes and make your own prayer flags to take home. See Special Programming for more information.
Buddhist ritual dance (Cham) presentation in Thomas Square Park (include the jestersAtsara (2 jester-like dancers warm up the crowd); Shinjey (Purification Dance of Two Bulls); Zhanag (Black Hat Dance).
Pema Lingpa's great 15th c, three-part "Ging Sum,” where, in three successive dances, otherwordly beings called Ging first divine for evil, then conquer it, then release the spirits to their own enlightenment.
Shinjey and Zhanag dances will be repeated.
The dancers are from Yungdrung Choeling Dzong in the Trongsa district of central Bhutan, where the mummified remains of Pema Lingpa are enshrined.
Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan sits quietly as the world around it changes. Fiercely protecting its cultural heritage, the tiny kingdom is also known as one of the happiest countries on earth-it even measures its gross national happiness. Meet Bhutanese monks as they share their rich traditions for a celebration that should not be missed.
January | February | March | Bhutanese Film Festival | Special Programming
WORLD PREMIERE OF SIX FILMS FROM BHUTAN
The Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Academy of Arts is proud to be the first venue to premiere eight new films that have never been seen outside Bhutan, as well as ninth film, The Golden Cup, which premiered in Thailand in 2007.
These films reflect the birth of an exciting new film industry in Bhutan. The first Bhutanese film was made in 1989 and television was introduced in 1999. To date, the Motion Picture Association of Bhutan produces fewer than 10 films per year. In a country with only six theaters, no film schools, limited technology and film budget constraints, only a handful of professional actors and technicians are able to overcome the challenge of making a film in Bhutan.
Bhutanese filmmakers Karma Tshering and Sherub Gyaltshen will introduce the film festival at Friends of Film Friday on Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. For Friends of Film members only. Please note that screening for the three hour films in this series begin at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m.
Director: Kinley Dorji
Bhutan, 2006, 103 mins.
Saturday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 1:00 p.m.
Director: Karma Deki
Bhutan, 2007, 157 mins.
A successful textile researcher buys a special wedding gift for his new wife, but bizarre incidences occur in their household that threaten their happiness. Rather than resort to medication or therapy to calm his wife, he consults the local astronomer. In his quest to end their agony, he is forced to reflect on his past deeds and realizes the only way to make amends is to confess and seek forgiveness from a woman he betrayed long ago. Kushathara is an exquisite design that symbolizes the dreams and fiery spirit of all women.
Monday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, March 25 at 1:00 p.m.
Director: Karma Deki
Bhutan, 2007, 143 mins.
In rural Bhutan at the beginning of the 20th century, when wealthy landowners took advantage of landless peasants and made them work as serfs, a grandmother tells her grandson, who has just graduated and returned home, the joys and sorrows of her life as a farmer’s daughter.
Tuesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Director: Tshering Wangyel
Bhutan, 2006, 130 mins.
Lhamo and Tshering fall in love, but when Tshering’s parents object to the marriage, rather than abandon his family, he leaves Lhamo. When Lahmo’s mother reveals that the women in their family have been plagued for generations by a terrible curse, Lhamo is not only heartbroken but finds she is pregnant. Based on a Bhutanese myth about betrayal and revenge, The Golden Cup portrays the daily life, customs and values of people in a rural village in central Bhutan.
Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Director: Namgey Retty
Bhutan, 2007, 147 mins.
The Bhutanese believe that when someone dies, his soul visits his loved ones before reincarnation. This interim period in Buddhism is called “Bardo” and lasts up to the 49th day after a person’s death. Exploring this belief, this film focuses on the unrequited love of a wealthy young man, Legdhen, and a country girl named Yangchen. When she becomes pregnant with Legdhen’s child, to save her family from the shame she reluctantly marries another man, leaves the village, and gives birth to a daughter. Seven years later, an accidental reunion with Yangchen sets a tragedy into motion.
Thursday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Director: Gyem Dorji
Bhutan, 2005, 149 mins.
Set in Trashi Yangtse, eastern Bhutan, this film is based on a Bhutanese legend about a young Indian princess and the conflict she faces between her human desires and death. In order to subdue all forms of evil and bring peace and harmony to Bhutan, the princess must make a heartbreaking sacrifice.
Friday, March 28 at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 29 at 1:00 p.m.
Director: Pelden Dorji
Bhutan, 2007, 94 minutes
In the village of Laya, a yak and a nomadic boy struggle to save their friendship in the face of modernization. Samten and Samten Norbu (the yak) share a common fate: they both lose their mothers at birth. When the yak whose milk Samten drank as a baby dies giving birth, Samten pays back his debt to her by raising her calf. When Samten is later expected to slaughter the yak, he must confront the values of an ancient culture. A fascinating look at the lives of Laya’s nomadic yak herders.
Saturday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m.
Director: Pelden Dorji
Bhutan, 2007, 145 mins.
During Bhutan’s lawless dark ages, the beautiful Euchung Lhamo falls in love with Pema Rengdol, a young man adored by the village girls for his musical and poetic talent. Despite the disapproval of Euchung Lhamo’s parents—they’re concerned about Pema’s meager income—the pair marry and raise a son. One day Pema, a poor merchant, must go on a dangerous journey. In his absence, a government official bullies Euchung’s parents and threatens to enslave them if Euchung doesn’t submit to him. Her ability to prevail is at the heart of this moral tale about the strength of love in the face evil.
Sunday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Director: Kesang P. Jigmee
Bhutan, 150 mins.
When a soldier abandons the Bhutanese army, his mother gives him an ancient manuscript, which describes his ancestors’ perilous escape after they murder a brutal chieftain. Set in 1500 A.D. in southern Tibet, Jigthar tells the story of this tyrannical ruler who commanded his people to tear down a mountain that blocks the sun from shining on his palace. Working until they drop dead from hunger and exhaustion, the people are visited by a deity who counsels them to flatten the governor instead. His murder results in reprisal from the provincial government, and the people must escape to the south. One family is separated from the group and must make the journey alone.
January | February | March | Bhutanese Film Festival | Special Programming
The Museum Learning Center will offer several educational adult programs in conjunction with The Dragon’s Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan for those who want more that a self guided perspective of this special exhibition. During The Dragon's Gift, the Academy will open over six galleries of Bhutanese art, the Pan-Buddhist Gallery and two galleries of Japanese Buddhist for viewing at this time. The Museum Learning Center will offer a number of programs to accommodate learning about the complex subject of art in Bhutan.
A series of five classes will explore Buddhist art in Bhutan through lectures, photographs and images. Classes will be taught by the Curator of Education, Betsy Robb, and the Asian Curator, Shawn Eichman on Friday afternoons at 3 PM in the Education Lecture Hall starting April 4 through May 2. This series will first look at the early development of Buddhist art and its iconography. The lecture will trace the development of Buddhist art from the beginnings, (the Theravada and Mahayana schools), and then focus on the art of tantric Buddhism school, using images from the Academy collection and the Bhutan exhibitions. Additional sessions will explore the introduction of Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, and historically trace the development of Buddhism in Bhutan through changing images. The lectures will place the art from the exhibition in a geographical context with photographs of temples, sites and practices. Participants will understand the uniqueness of Bhutanese Buddhist art and its similarities to other traditions in the Himalayas. The fee for the series will be $75 for non-members or $50 for members; attendance will be limited by the small classroom space. Call 532-8726 for reservations early.
April 2 Introduction to Buddhist Art
April 11 Buddhism in Bhutan – the Early Period
April 18 The Nyingma Tradition
April 25 The Drukpa Kagyu Tradition – Part 1
May 2 The Drukpa Kagyu Tradition – Part 2
Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a docent discussion in a particular area of the Bhutan exhibitions, focusing on one work of art or subject. The topic will change each week. Specially trained docents will lead a thirty minute tours.
| Feb 26-March 2 Where's Bhutan? |
March 4-9 Thangkas |
March 11-16 Buddhas |
March 18-23 Guru Rinpoche |
March 25- 30 Textiles |
| April 1-6 Bodhisattvas |
April 8-13 Shabdrung |
April 15-20 Treasure seekers |
April 22-27 |
April 29-May 4 Painting and Conservation |
| May 6-11 Cham Ritual Dance |
May 13-18 Deity Yoga |
May 20-23 Guru Yoga |
All spotlight tours are free with admission and an exhibition ticket, and free to members. Spotlight tours in the Museum Learning Center, the Temple Altar and the Textile exhibition do not require an exhibition ticket.
One-hour tours of The Dragon's Gift are offered every morning at 10:15 and will highlight the key works of art in the exhibition. These tours are available without reservations and are free to members; non-members will need to pay admission and the exhibition fee.
Adult groups and school groups can schedule docent led tours of any length for all or in any area of The Dragon's Gift. Tours may include the daily rituals or dance performances, or an artist in residence painting thangkas when they are available. School tours will visit several areas of the exhibitions and will address multiple social studies and fine arts standards of the DOE, including Visual Arts, Dance, Music and Drama. Pre- and Post- lessons and activities are available for teachers on our website. School tours are free to all students and teachers; adult tours are free to members; non-members will need to pay admission and the exhibition fee.
Please call 532-8726 to schedule a tour.
During the exhibition The Dragon's Gift, a presentation on Bhutan may be scheduled for school assemblies or classrooms. This presentation will be adapted to grades 3-12. A Bhutanese speaker will present a power point slide show on Bhutan and monks may perform puja, dance or play musical instruments. Clothing, musical instruments and works of art will be shown.
Please call 532-8728 for a reservation. Presentations times are limited.
Special hour-long docent tours will visit specific areas of The Dragon’s Gift. The tour is followed by a discussion on the exhibition and tea and cookies. Please call 532-8700 for a reservation. Space is limited.
2:30 pm
Feb. 26, 28 & March 2
The Dragon’s Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan - Millie Liu
March 18, 20
The Dragon’s Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan - Cathy Levinson
April 1,3,6
The Dragon’s Gift: Textiles from Bhutan – Charlene Hughes