Art Conservation Talk: Ann Shaftel
"Thangkas in Museums, Private Collections, Monasteries, and their Communities"
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | 6 pm | Free
in the Dumke Auditorium at the UMFA
Thangkas lead different lives depending on where they live.
Museums can offer non-traditional aesthetics and presentation, combined with the benefits of a technical approach to preservation. Is a thangka still sacred if it is out of the original context?
While thangkas in private homes and collections depend on the choices made by the owners in monasteries and their communities, thangkas are sacred art, with respectful, traditional usage, and centuries-old traditions.
This richly illustrated talk shares exquisite and powerful thangkas in traditional and nontraditional locations, and provokes questions about technical preservation and traditional respect for thangkas worldwide.
Meet the Presenter:
Ann Shaftel MSc, MA, is Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation, Fellow of International Institute for Conservation, and a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators, ICOM and ICOMOS.
Since 1970, Ann has worked internationally for conservation of Buddhist art with museums, universities, monasteries, and communities. Her work is referenced by international scholars and advised by Buddhist teachers.
Ann’s work with thangkas in the Rubin collection began before the Rubin Museum was opened, with conservation treatment of thangkas in the private and corporate collections of Shelley and Donald Rubin.
Programming Sponsor:
Thomas and Mary S. McCarthey
The exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art is organized and provided by the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art.
