Diversity and beauty of India portrayed in photographic exhibition

TEMPE, Ariz. – The beauty, cultural diversity and rich heritage of India and its people are featured in ASU Art Museum’s upcoming photographic exhibition, Lindsay Hebberd: Cultural Portraits of India, running May 18 – August 11.

Cultural Portraits of India is an extensive exhibition of 70 large photographic prints, including nine five-foot-long panoramas. The images were taken over the course of more than a decade as Canadian-American photographer Hebberd traveled the length and breadth of the world’s seventh-largest country. The exhibition will fill two galleries at the ASU Art Museum.

In contrast with the images of poverty and violence that often fill our news media when India is mentioned, Hebberd’s photographs illustrate the less well-known side of a country that now has a population of more than a billion people. With eight major religions, 17 official languages and nearly 900 dialects, India is a kaleidoscope of people groups, each with their own colors, rituals, dress and language. Hebberd depicts the natural beauty and cultural heritage that permeate the lives of the Indian people but do not make headlines

She acknowledges that everyone is a little afraid of what they do not know, saying she wants to break down the barriers and show India as the warm, welcoming and hospitable country she has experienced.

I attempt to capture that certain quality of culture, the spirit of the people, their energy and their tradition,” Hebberd says. “I’m trying to both preserve and promote the tradition of various cultures.”

ASU Art Museum Director Marilyn Zeitlin says that "With world tensions as high as they are right now, any effort that deepens empathy between people is a positive one. In addition to the beauty that Lindsay and her work offer, this exhibition also gives us a moment to realize the importance of mutual tolerance."

Hebberd has traveled extensively since her childhood and lived in Canada, Iran, West Africa, South America, Indonesia and Spain, as well as the United States. Her experience has given her an insightful eye for other cultures, many of which she has documented extensively with her camera. When combined with her excellent technical skills and artist’s touch, the result is a series of intimate portraits and images that reframe even the most easily recognized sites into something new and beautiful.

A free, public reception from 7-9 p.m., May 17, will open Lindsay Hebberd: Cultural Portraits of India. The exhibition will run through August 11. A gallery talk by the artist is scheduled for noon, Friday, May 24, and a free family day event will be held in conjunction with the exhibition from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 29.

The ASU Art Museum is a division of The Katherine K. Herberger College of Fine Arts at Arizona State University. It is located on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street, Tempe. For more information, please call (480) 965-2787 or visit the museum online athttp://asuartmuseum.asu.edu.

When You Go:
Location: ASU Art Museum, Nelson Fine Arts Center, 10th Street and Mill Avenue, Tempe.
Date &Time: Lindsay Hebberd: Cultural Portraits of India, runs May 18 – August 11, 2002.
Public reception: 7-9 p.m., May 17.
Gallery talk by the artist: Noon, May 24.
Family fun day event, in conjunction with the exhibition: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 29.
Parking: Free parking is available in ASU Art Museum-marked spaces at the south end of Tempe Center, located at the NE corner of Mill Ave. and 10th St. Visitors using museum spaces must sign in at the front desk in the lobby of the Nelson Fine Arts Center.
Cost: Free
Website: http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu 

Media Contact:
Jennifer Pringle
480-965-8795
jennifer.pringle@asu.edu