Divine Vessels: Exploring Space through Indian Dance and Music
Friday, July 12, 2019 at 6 PM – 9 PM National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, Washington, DC [Fridays @ Freer | Sackler Series]
Friday, May 19, 2023 National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, Washington, DC
Dancers Spilling Ink
Musicians Flutist - Ravi Kulur Vocalist - Nandakumar Unnikrishnan Percussionist - Kartik Vydhatri ~
Divine Vessels: Exploring Space through Indian Dance and Music contemplated ideas of space, considering both the human body and physical spaces as vessels of spirituality and divinity. Inspired by masterpieces from the Indian subcontinent in the museum’s collection, they explored how the human body is a container and vehicle of expression that exists within the larger context of physical spaces, in this case, the museum itself. Accompanied by an ensemble of musicians including classical Indian flutist Ravi Kulur, vocalist Nandakumar Unnikrishnan, and percussionist Kartik Vydhatri, the collective revisited a time when dance and music coexisted in temples to celebrate Hindu gods and goddesses. Designed as an interactive program, artists and audience participants moved through the museum space to appreciate the extraordinary culture of the Indian subcontinent. On a personal level, they reconsidered how notions of internal self and outer context exist in harmony.
Reviews
“An engaging, exhilarating, unique celebration - a coming together of a gamut of the arts. Music, dance, poetry, paintings, and royal costumes- a veritable feast for all the senses during the 2-day programs at the Freer Gallery of Art in WDC. Congratulations to artistic directors and dancers Vijay Palaparty and Nalini Prakash for creative choreography and sheer beauty of movement to lend life to the Ragamala paintings and express the poetry of Satya Palaparty. Dance greatly enhanced by the sublime music of Ravi Kulur on flute, Nandakumar Unnikrishnan vocalist, Kartik Vydharti, percussion”
“Another creative and unique performance by Spilling Ink with the dancers and musicians leading the audience through the rooms of Asian art and performing interpretations of the art displayed in each room.”
“Blown away for virtuosity, depth and spirituality of this performance! Thank you Ravichandra Kulur and Nalini Prakash for giving us an opportunity to experience the dances and music so beautiful and spiritual — right here in Washington DC!”
“A new and unique experience - the art galleries at the Freer were transformed with the power of live dance and music evoking the Gods and Goddesses. Historically art, dance and music coexisted in temples and today in a museum - a sacred space. Everything is made in Space, by the Space, in the Space, and dissolves in Space.”
“What an inspiring performance at the Smithsonian’s Freer Sackler Museum, Nalini Prakash, Vijay Palaparty! Loved the concept and creativity. Kudos for all the tremendous effort you must have put in to organize and practice for the event!”
Presented in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museums of Asian art as part of its Fridays@Freer | Sackler series.