Transfigurations: Reanimating Ancient Art of India by David Lebrun

September 27, 2022 – May 27, 2023
Like last year’s 45 Paleolithic Handaxes, this immersive installation by artist and experimental filmmaker David Lebrun is part of an ambitious series, Transfigurations: Reanimating the Past. Lebrun and his creative team have traveled the world to study and capture the beauty of iconic artworks in high resolution photographs. For each object type, the artist meticulously sequences and animates images of individual objects. In this year's installation, centuries-old sculptures of the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu, as well as attendants to Vishnu, are Lebrun’s focus. The hypnotic transitions from one image to the next give coherence to the group, revealing characteristics that might not be noticeable if each ancient object were examined individually. A sound score by composer Yuval Ron aims to enhance the viewer’s experience, creating a calm, contemplative atmosphere.

The artist and his team offer extensive information about the sculptures at the Exploration Station, a touchscreen outside the Wefald Gallery. Museum visitors can use this to learn about each
artwork featured in the animations. The separation of this didactic from the immersive experience in Wefald acknowledges distinctly different ways of learning and knowing. See the past differently!

Platinum Major Sponsors: Cytek Media Systems, Inc., Greater Manhattan Community Foundation’s Lincoln & Dorothy Diehl Community Grants Program, K-State Division of Information Technology and The Weary Family Foundation
Gold Sponsors: David and Mindy Weaver
Silver Sponsors: Jerry and Barbara Boettcher and Terry and Tara Cupps

Related Events
Free and open to the public

Diwali/Festival of Lights Celebration
Thursday, October 20, 2022, 5:30 p.m.
In person at the Beach Museum of Art
Join the Beach Museum of Art in celebrating Diwali/Festival of Lights, a major festival of India that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Explore the traditions of this holiday: make your own paper lanterns, see a Rangoli demonstration (colorful sand patterns) and draw your own, learn how to drape a saree, enjoy festival music, performance and special Diwali treats. Organized in collaboration with the K-State chapter of Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY) and K-State Indian Student Association.

Let’s Talk Art with Artist David Lebrun and Composer Yuval Ron
Livestream Conversation
Thursday, February 16, 2023, 12 p.m.
Click here to watch the recorded program.

"Natarāja, the Lord of Dance"
A performance inspired by the “Shiva Nataraja” installation in the exhibition. Presented by Jui Mhatre, Communications and Marketing Specialist at the Beach Museum of Art and classical Indian dancer in the genre Bharata Natyam. Click here to watch the video of the performance.