Being Jain

Being Jain – Art and Culture of an Indian Religion

Hardly any religion formulates ethical values more rigorously than Jainism. Until today, absolute non-violence, renunciation of possessions and universal tolerance are the guiding principles of this religion originating in India. The exhibition “Being Jain – Art and Culture of an Indian Religion” provides insights into the teachings, rituals and practice of Jainism through selected works of art and invites visitors to engage with the topic of sustainability. Interviews, films and “And you? The Game of Questions” are intended to encourage visitors to change perspectives and to dare to explore new paths. The large-scale game in the exhibition combines analogue game elements with a web-based app that allows visitors to ask their own questions.

The exhibition, being organised at the Rietberg Museum from 18th November 2022 till 29th April 2023 provides an introduction to a religion which currently has about five million followers worldwide. Outside India, unlike Buddhism which emerged around the same time, Jainism is largely unknown. It was never embraced by Western followers. This is the first exhibition in Switzerland on the subject of Jainism in nearly 50 years.

Important lenders to the exhibition are museums in New Delhi, in Mumbai, in Hyderabad, in Bangalore and in Lucknow. Students of art history and religious studies from the USA and Switzerland were involved in the concept of the exhibition with a video project. For the first time, an Indian – Swiss co-operation with the Arham Foundation and the Start Worldwide Group was developed to support the exhibition in the country of the origin of the works and among the Jaina community. The project is generously supported by the Parrotia Foundation, Arham Foundation, Swiss Re, Max Kohler Stiftung and the Start Worldwide Group.

You may like to visit the website of Museum Rietberg for the details by clicking here.

SICC is organizing a special guided tour on the Jain Exhibition. The tour will be followed by an Apéro.

Date: Wednesday, 01.03.23

Registration : 16.45 h at Rietberg Museum

Tour: 17.00-18.00 h

Apéro: 18.00-19.00 h

Fee : CHF 30 per person

Note:

Registration is mandatory for this event for members.