In a groundbreaking showcase in Manhattan’s very own Metropolitan Museum of Art, Mt. Refuge played a pivotal role in one of the most anticipated exhibitions of 2024. The exhibition, Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet, opened on September 19, 2024, as a celebration of Himalayan Buddhist devotional art. Anchoring this extraordinary event was a monumental installation by celebrated Tibetan artist Tenzing Rigdol, titled Biography of a Thought, featuring our signature handwoven Tibetan carpets.
A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
Displayed in the Robert Lehman Wing’s atrium, the installation offered visitors an immersive experience into Himalayan artistry. Spanning nearly 100 square meters, the carpets we fabricated were seamlessly integrated into Rigdol’s 21 canvases, harmoniously blending texture and visual storytelling. Rigdol’s work explored themes of spirituality and philosophical introspection, with the carpets serving as both artistic elements and cultural artifacts.
The exhibition marked a historic moment for Himalayan art at the Met. Featuring over 100 artifacts ranging from textiles to sculptures and ritual objects, Mandalas delved deep into the rich visual language of Tibetan Buddhism, with Rigdol’s installation being the centerpiece.
Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition
Mt Refuge has long been synonymous with excellence in handcrafted carpets. Each piece is meticulously woven by artisans in Kathmandu using ancient techniques passed down under family legacy. The carpets featured in Biography of a Thought were designed to complement Rigdol’s bold exploration of history and philosophy. Their intricate patterns and textures added depth to the installation, creating a multisensory experience for visitors.
“Bold in both scale and concept. The 21 canvases add up to nearly 95 sq m of painted work. An additional 100 sq m of handwoven Tibetan carpet is part of the installation, for which Rigdol collaborated with Mt Refuge as the fabricators.” – Nepali Times
A New Chapter
Our presence at the Met cemented Mt Refuge’s status as a global ambassador for Nepalese artistry while opening a new chapter for luxury design. By aligning with one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions, our studio demonstrated its commitment to elevating traditional craftsmanship to new heights. The collaboration between Mt Refuge and Tenzing Rigdol at The Met was a pioneering celebration of Himalayan art and culture on one of the world’s grandest stages.
“The installation, in essence, can be just divided into half. There are basically four paintings around the walls. Then the carpet, where I’m saying come, watch the painting and then sit. Physically, literally sit. But metaphorically also sit your mind. Then placing a question on that calm mind.”
– Tenzing Rigdol
Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet offered visitors at the Met a woven journey into the spiritual and artistic legacy of the Himalayas. The display gave us an incredulous opportunity to weave an authentic and pivotal artist’s expressions to transcend borders and time.
Features
https://nepalitimes.com/review/human-spiritual-existence-in-a-digital-ecosystem
https://www.metmuseum.org/press-releases/mandalas-2024-exhibitions
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/mandalas-mapping-the-buddhist-art-of-tibet
