Alice from SwitzerlandA Visionary Artist And Scholar Across Two Continents

INVITATION

28th November 2014

Exhibition on display from 29th November 2014 to 31st January 2015

at the CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ VASTU SANGRAHALAYA, MUMBAI

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, a not-for-profit organization, was opened to the public in 1922 and houses a multicultural collection of artifacts from Asia and Europe. Designed by George Wittet, a British architect in 1909, the museum building, a Grade I heritage structure is a fine example of the Indo Saracenic style of architecture. Collaborating with the British Museum for this exhibition is in line with CSMVS’s continuing efforts to bring to the public, glimpses of cultural treasures from around the world.

Museum Rietberg, Zurich

The Museum Rietberg Zurich is the only art museum for non-European cultures in Switzerland exhibiting an internationally renowned collection of art from Asia, Africa and Ancient America. It intends not only to focus on the fascinating variety of artistic expression, but also to raise interest and understanding of foreign cultures, views and religions. Special exhibitions focussing on these cultures are furthermore the core of its worldwide acclaim.

For security reasons, this invitation is non-transferable. Entry will be strictly against invites. Please bring this card (Admits two)

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) is presenting an exhibition ‘Alice fom Switzerland: A visionary artist and scholar across two continents’, as a collaborative project with the Museum Rietberg, Zurich. The Museum Rietberg has been a partner of the CSMVS for many years and the two institutions have been a part of collaborative projects in the past.Alice Boner (1889-1981) was one of the most fascinating but relatively little known Swiss artists of the twentieth century who travelled to India with Uday Shankar in 1930 to support his dance troupe. She maintained this relationship with him and his troupe for a few more years before deciding to settle down in Varanasi for the rest of her life. In recognition of her contribution to Indian art and culture, the President of India awarded her the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, in 1974.The guiding idea of the exhibition is to showcase how late Alice Boner, a great patron of Indian art and culture promoted cultural knowledge and understanding between the East and West and the crucial role of the visual within it. Alice Boner studied and appreciated visual and performing arts in India. Through her publications and also through her collection of miniature paintings and sculptures, she transferred academic and visual knowledge from India to Europe. In addition she promoted the classical Indian arts like music and dance in Europe.

Image Overleaf: Alice Boner in Mahmoorganj, Varanasi, 1935, photograph kept at the Museum Rietberg, ZurichImage Below: Analysis of the Shiva Nataraja kept at the Museum Rietberg, ZurichDrawing by Alice Boner, 1940–1965

Alice from SwitzerlandA Visionary Artist And Scholar Across Two Continents

T he Trustees and Staff ofCHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ VASTU SANGRAHALAYA, MUMBAI(formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India)

and

MUSEUM RIETBERG, ZURICH

cordially invite you to the inauguration of

by

The Swiss Ambassador to India

Mr. Linus von Castelmur

on Friday, 28th November 2014 6.00 p.m. at the CSMVS-Museum, Mumbai

R.S.V.P. : Ms. Sadhana Modak 91-022-22844484, 22844519 © Co

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Alice from SwitzerlandA Visionary Artist And Scholar Across Two Continents

This exhibition is organized by The British Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

in partnership with Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust.

This exhibition is organized by The British Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

in partnership with Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 023

T. 022 2284 4484, 2284 4519 | e-mail: csmvsmumbai@gmail.com | website: www.csmvs.in | www.facebook.com/csmvs

PROGRAMME6 p.m. to 6.05 p.m.

Welcome Speech by Mr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Director General, CSMVS6.05 p.m. to 6.10 p.m.

Speech by Mr. Neil MacGregor Director, The British Museum

6.10 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. Speech by Mr Kumar Iyer

Deputy High Commissioner & Director General UK Trade & Investment6.15 p.m. to 6.25 p.m.

Speech by The Hon’ble Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch

6.25 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Manisha Nene

Assistant Director (Gallery)6.35 p.m.

Lighting of the Inaugural lamp

6.30 p.m. to 8.oo p.m. Reception

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 023. T. 91-22-022 - 22844484, 22844519 e-mail: csmvsmumbai@gmail.com | website: www.csmvs.in | www.facebook.com/csmvs

PROGRAMME

6.00 p.m. to 6.05 p.m. Welcome Speech by Mr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee Director General, CSMVS

6.05 p.m. to 6.10 p.m. Speech by Mr. Albert LutzDirector, Museum Rietberg

6.15 p.m. to 6.25 p.m. Speech by The Swiss Ambassador to IndiaMr. Linus von Castelmur

6.25 p.m. to 6.35Thankyou Note by Ms. Andrea Kuratli and Mr. Johannes BeltzCuratorial Board, Museum Rietberg

6.35 p.m. Lighting of the Inaugural lamp

6.40 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Reception

SPONSORS

Boner Foundation for Art and Culture

Memoriav (Association for the preservation of the audiovisual heritage of Switzerland)

VFS Global

Swiss International Air Lines

Monterosa Group

Consulate General of Switzerland

Star Worldwide Group

Sophie und Karl Binding Stiftung

Pro Helvetia – Swiss Arts Council