This Art Over Lunch-tour questions stereotypes and explores the enormous diversity of India’s cultural traditions. Since Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power five years ago, some of India’s most identifying values such as secularism and liberalism have been under increasing attack. Questions of culture and identity also feature prominently in this year’s general election, with results being announced on May 23. With curator Johannes Beltz, you will discover the richness of India’s culture by looking at India’s folk and tribal arts. Less prominent artworks from the museum’s storage will be particularly highlighted. By viewing this selected works, the tour will allow participants to gain a better understanding of contemporary Indian society.

Program:

12:00 – Guided art tour with Johannes Beltz

12:45 – Lunch at the Villa Wesendonck (included in ticket)

13:15 – End

We will meet at the ticket office at 11:50.

This tour is for Asia Society Switzerland members only. How to become a member?

Full no-show charge unless registration is cancelled until end of one business day before the event. 

 About the Curator

Johannes Beltz is the deputy director and the head of curatorship at the Rietberg Museum. He is also the curator for exhibitions portraying art from India and Southeast Asia. Besides his engagements at the Rietberg Museum, he is lecturer for Buddhism and Hinduism at PHZH for the teacher training program.

About Art over Lunch

Art over Lunch is a monthly event series for members of Asia Society Switzerland. Each time, we visit an exhibition or a special part of the Rietberg collection with curators and experts for 45 minutes with a following small lunch. The tours are designed to give members a different view on the vast troves at the Rietberg and provide an opportunity to mingle and discuss.