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Aug. 19, 2008
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"Novice Monk Learning Prayers, Ladakh, India" by Ron Johns
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Photographs of Northern India by Ron Johns and lithographs by Mario Kiran will be on exhibit at Morningside College from Aug. 22 until Sept. 30 in the Eppley Art Gallery, 3625 Garretson Ave.
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"onesoul, onebody,
one religion" by Mario Kiran
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Johns, a celebrated local photographer, took photographs during his travels to Northern India; most were recently printed and contain rich color and compelling character studies. Kiran’s color lithographs utilize symbols from India’s Hindu, Muslim and Christian cultures.
“I use illustrations and paintings to create a cross-cultural relationship between East Indian and Western influences,” Kiran said. “Combining the two styles has given me the opportunity to talk about issues that deal with cultures and the important role they play in our everyday life. Our planet is rich with diverse cultures, and tapping into these habitats is an adventurous escape, for one knows not what comedy and tragedy will be found. . . As for a plain man like myself, I relate my discoveries in a visual tale that my audiences are free to interpret with their own experiences.”
John Bowitz, professor and chair of art at Morningside College and director of the college’s art galleries, said he chose these two artists and their work to complement the sand mandala that will be built by Tibetan Buddhist monks in the adjacent Helen Levitt Art Gallery. The rich color and detailed imagery from all of the artists reflects the long cultural heritage of India and Tibet.
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