Enchanted by India
The art and culture of the South Asian country spill over into museums, galleries and the stage
T
his is a good year to get one’s Bollywood on in Houston, as organizations across the city’s arts landscape explore India from multiple angles, past and present.
FotoFest International will fill more than 100 gallery and museum spaces citywide with a lens on contemporary India’s photographic and new media art. While the 2018 biennial officially begins March 10, the first show — “Dissent and Desire” — opened Friday at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
The 2018 biennial’s lead curator, Sunil Gupta, and his partner, Charan Singh, have filled bright yellow walls in the CAMH’s downstairs gallery with photographs of people who identify as queer in Delhi. The images appear so everyday ordinary — mostly depicting people at home, on the streets, alone or with friends and families — a viewer might not discern the complexity of their circumstances.
India has recognized a third gender, or hijra, for centuries, drawn from Hindu beliefs in a category of genderless Hindu gods. Yet anti-sodomy laws passed in 1861 prevented same-sex relationships for 148 years, and have ping-ponged since. A high court rescinded the law in 2009, only to reverse its decision in 2013.
Gupta and Singh documented how affected people were faring in 2014 and 2015. The subjects’ comments
appear beside the small groupings of images, giving the impression that they are mostly quiet and vulnerable.
For a perspective on India’s sumptuous cultural history, it will be hard to beat “Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India,” a landmark exhibition of sumptuous paintings, decorative arts, furniture, tents, canopies, carpets, textiles and weapons that have never before left India.
All that glitters in the show will be gold, gold and more gold, and finely detailed. Many of the treasures are from the palace at Mehrangarh Fort, a major tourist attraction.
Opening windows into the dynamic history of the MarwarJodhpur region and the Rathore dynasty that ruled it for more than seven centuries, “Peacock” debuts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston March 4-Aug. 12, before traveling to Seattle in the fall and then Toronto.
Performing-arts organizations are joining the party, too. The Indo-American Association, celebrating its 25th year, returns to its roots with a season of eight performances by leading Indian artists, plus a rare gala dinner.
Beginning with a traditional concert by the legendary tabla player Zakir Hussain and Bansuri flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, the performances suggest the rich and influential depth of India’s culture, from music and dance to film, theater and literature. 2018 Indo-American Association Season
March 31: Zakir Hussain and Rakesh Chaurasia, tabla and flute concert
April 27: “Flamenco India.” A musical journey into the Indian roots of Spain’s Gypsy flamenco culture by a colorful ensemble of Langa musicians from India’s Thar desert, dancers from the Indian and flamenco traditions, flamenco guitar and singers, and a boutique western string orchestra. (Hobby Center, 800 Bagby)
May 11: “Mystic India.” A Broadway-style journey through Bollywood films highlighting different regions of India.
June 22: “Bollywood & Hollywood in Brass.” The 26-member River City Brass Band, led by maestro James Gourlay, performs musical scores.
July 21: “Saptavarna.” Director Padmashri Aruna Mohanty’s showcase of the seven Indian classical dance forms — Bharatnatyam, Kuchupudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi and Manipuri.
Aug. 4: “Mirza Ghalib’s ‘andaaz-e-bayaan aur.’” A multimedia production, with live music, celebrating the life and poems of Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, who died 220 years ago; written, directed and narrated by Salim Arif and Lubna Salim of Prithvi Theater.
Sept. 15: “Indie Routes.” A band of eight young musicians founded by Aabhas and Shreyas Joshi that blends Sufi, contemporary folk, Bollywood and Indie pop music.
Nov. 4: “My Country, My Music.” Shankar Mahadevan’s celebration of Indian folk music. (Tentative)
Unless otherwise noted, performances are at Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash, Stafford. Season subscriptions begin at $300; 832-231-3086; iaahouston. com.