The Nepalese Legacy in Tibetan Painting May 7, 2011

For centuries Tibetan artists looked to their Buddhist heartland, India, for artistic direction. With the destruction of India's key monasteries in 1203, however, many artists turned to Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, home to the exceptionally skilled Newar artists. The Newars' painting style, known as the Beri, was quickly adopted in Tibet, becoming one of the country's most influential artistic styles for four centuries. This exhibition traces the Beri style's development, patronage and distinctive features.