Jain Digest 1995 04

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 16

Public Relations
Anant Jain - Chair Manoj Jain - Vice Chair
Mahendra and Prabha Bapna, Hinsdale, IL Jay Bheda, Hiram, GA Ramesh and Padma Chitalia, Tampa, FL Ramesh Doshi, Newark, DE Vipul Doshi, Fairfax, VA Sushil Jain, Bryan, OH Suraj and Vandana Kothari, Ames, IA Jayaprakash Mehta, Clifton St., NJ Kanti Lal Mehta, Piscataway, NJ Parimal Parekh, Freeport, IL Jitu Parekh, Union City, CA Anil B. Salvi, CA Rajendra C. Shah, East Meadow, NY Ramesh Shah, Flower Mound, TX Tanmay and Surekha Shah, Desplaines, IL Nandu Shah, Jacksonville, FL Jayant and Pravina Shah, Marietta, OH Varsha and Piyush Shah, Chandler, AZ Kirit Tulsania, Alexandria, VA Bharati and Ramesh Doshi, San Gabriel, CA Bhikam Jain, Old Bridge, NY Ravindra and Saras Jain, Mansfield, CT C. N. Mody, Atlanta, GA Hansa and Hemant Nagda, Placenta, CA Ashok and Surekha Patrawala, San Jose, CA Asok Shah, Jersey City, NJ Dilip K. Surana, Miami, FL N. S. Doshi, Pittsburg, PA Jyoti Dedhia, West Lovina, CA Ajay Jain, Hicksville, NY Vivek Jain, Ann Arbor, MI Yogesh Kamdar, Louisville, KY Ram Rakshpal, Silver Spring, MD Naresh R. Shah, Nitro, WV Rashmikant and V. R. Shah
Jain Art Exhibit reaches Dallas-Fort Worth
The much awaited exhibition of Jain art opening at the prestigious Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth presents a rare opportunity to both Jains and people of other persuasions to gain a deeper understanding of this ages-old way of life. The exhibition, aptly titled "The Peaceful Liberators: Jain Art from India "is open to the public for 12 weeks, effective March 5, 1995. It is due to the cooperation of so many collectors and museums around the world that this exceptionally comprehensive presentation of Jain artwork has been made possible.
These works of Indian artists between the 11th and 16th century, and many more predating that period, depict a unique thread that runs through the rich fabric of the diverse Indian culture. After a highly successful showing at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and now at the Kimbell, the exhibition will travel to the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England.
The exhibition includes architectural pieces in sandstone, bronze, copper alloy and wood; manuscripts and paintings in ink and opaque watercolors on palm leaves, paper and cloth, including many hybrid works of opaque watercolors and gold on paper. Some very intricate embroideries from late 18th-19th centuries with couched gold and silver toned twisted wire, along with silk and wool embroidery on silk velvet, are on display.
The lifelike qualities of the various altarpieces of Jinas, the architectural pieces of temple works in wood and sandstone, the elaborately sculpted figures, and richly colorful and detailed paintings, are proud representations of the rich heritage.
Apart from the artistic aspects, the visitors will get a unique perspective of the Jain cosmology. It appears that the painters were truly intrigued by the Jain cosmology. The paintings depicting the Jain universe, and its tiers, have been particularly popular with the devout artists. Several paintings have used the human body as an interesting and artful overlay to capture the analogy of the cosmos.
Another educational dimension of this exhibition is evident in significant number of works dealing with a pantheon of Hindu divinities, serving as guardian spirits, who are supposed to be subservient to the Tirthankaras. They are the symbol of how Jains have adapted to the socio-religious environment, and yet maintained an independent identity. In a strict sense, there is no "deity" in a Jain Temple from whom one can expect any rewards. Therefore, in the evolutionary process of ritualistic practices the lay community has come to revere a number of the divine figures who are worshiped for their unique powers.
The Jain Society of North Texas urges local, as well as out of town community visitors to avail themselves of this opportunity and plan a tour to see this exhibit. For more information, assistance with accomodations and other arrangements please call the Society's president, Pradhuman Zaveri at 214/608-0400 or any of the board members.
Media Watch Sushil Jain - Chair
The Media Watch Committee monitors the media for news about Jains and Jainism. If an item appears that is distorted, negative, prejudicial or stereotypic the Media Watch is ready to contact the proper representatives and correct the misconception.
The objective of the Media Watch Committee is to:
- monitor the public news media in North American in reference to news items refering to Jains and/or Jainism, and offer responses as necessary.
- review texts and reference material in North American that define and/or describe Jains and Jainism; bring inaccuracies and misconceptions about Jainism its beliefs, history and origins to the attention of authors and publishers and suggesting changes.
-publicize Jain religious traditions like Paryushana vegetarian- ism, respect for life and environment in the media.
-establish contacts with scholars in North America who have an interest in Jainism and its traditions.
16 Jain Education Intemational
JAIN DIGEST Use Onity
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