In a country as vast and paradoxical as India, it is impossible to generalize about the role of women in society. Worshiped as shakti (the Hindu concept of divine, feminine sacred force), oppressed as chattel — the seeming contradictions have left many Western observers stumbling into stereotypes and misunderstanding.

 

In "Daughters of India," on view at the Fowler Museum at UCLA from March 29 through July 26, photographer Stephen P. Huyler celebrates the resiliency and creativity of Indian women from a wide variety of backgrounds in a series of 38 works that includes both contemplative, detailed portraits and daily scenes enlivened with the bright hues of India.

 

Notably, artistic creativity plays an important part in the lives of many of the subjects. Several of the photographs on display depict women expressing themselves and addressing others through painting, sculpture, embroidery and the creation of decorative elements in their households, including rice flower drawings, or kolam, executed on the ground in front of their homes. In others, visitors can consider how the full force of these women's creativity is brought to bear simply in overcoming the obstacles presented by poverty, caste prejudice and other hardships.

 

Taken together, these sensitive photographs form intimate portrayals of the lives, activities and rituals of these remarkable Indian "everywomen."

 

Stephen Huyler is a cultural anthropologist, art historian, author and widely exhibited photographer. This exhibition is presented in conjunction with his new book, "Daughters of India: Art and Identity." Huyler's other books include "Painted Prayers: Women's Art in Village India" (1994) and "Meeting God: Elements of Hindu Devotion" (1999), and his work is featured in the current San Diego exhibition "India Adorned: Selections From the Mingei International Museum's Stephen Huyler Collection."

 

"Daughters of India: Photographs by Stephen P. Huyler" will be on view in the Fowler Museum's Goldenberg Galleria.

 

The Fowler Museum at UCLA is open Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The museum, part of UCLA's School of the Arts and Architecture, is located in the north part of the UCLA campus. Admission is free. Parking is available for a maximum of $9 in Lot 4. For more information, call 310-825-4361 or visit www.fowler.ucla.edu.  

 

Sunday, March 29
2 p.m.

Fowler OutSpoken Lecture with Stephen Huyler: "Daughters of India"

In a sumptuously illustrated lecture drawn from his new book and current Fowler Museum exhibition, photographer and cultural anthropologist Stephen Huyler speaks about the many ways in which Indian women use traditional and innovative art forms to meet the challenges in their lives and leverage changes in their futures. A book-signing reception in the Fowler courtyard follows the lecture.