Andrea Bayer Deputy Director for Collections and Administration | The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Andrea Bayer Deputy Director for Collections and Administration | The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is a Hindu deity revered for his ability to clear paths to the gods and remove obstacles in daily life. He is cherished by his devotees for traits such as his appetite for sweet cakes and his role as a source of magic, surprise, and laughter. Ganesha also holds the title of lord of ganas (nature deities) and can present a fearsome aspect in this form.
An exhibition traces Ganesha's depiction from the seventh to the twenty-first century across regions including the Indian subcontinent, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia. The exhibition features 24 works comprising sculptures, paintings, musical instruments, ritual implements, and photography. It highlights Ganesha's vitality as a symbol of new beginnings.
The exhibition runs through several periods: November 19, 2022–June 11, 2023; June 17, 2023–June 11, 2024; June 13, 2024–June 17, 2025; June 19, 2025–January 4, 2026. The Florence and Herbert Irving Fund for Asian Art Exhibitions makes this event possible.
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