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An exhibit that represents the entire history of art of a particular culture is rare enough, and the opportunity to see such an exhibit in its only West Coast stop makes the experience even rarer still. So visitors to Stanford's Cantor Arts Center will get some uncommon insight into centuries of Sri Lankan art with the opening March 2 of "Guardian of the Flame: Art of Sri Lanka."
"Guardian of the Flame" was organized by the Phoenix Art Museum and marks the first American exhibition to explore the entire history of Sri Lankan art, beginning with pieces that date from around 269 B.C. The exhibit includes rare palm leaf manuscripts, crystal reliquaries and a 12th- or 13th-century bronze sculpture of the deity Shiva--the Cantor Center will be the only U.S. venue to display these objects.
The public is invited to attend several events in connection with the exhibit, including an opening ceremony for the exhibit on March 2, at noon, during which a ceremonial blessing of the exhibition will be performed by monks from local Buddhist temples. Also, the public is invited to attend a free lecture on March 13, at 1 p.m., by John Listopad, the Cantor Center Patrick J.J. Maveety Curator of Asian Art.
"Guardian of the Flame: Art of Sri Lanka" is on exhibit March 2June 12 at the Cantor Arts Center, Palm Drive at Lomita Drive and Museum Way, Stanford campus. For more information, call 650.723.4177 or see www.stanford.edu/dept/ccva.
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