NEW YORK.- RMA is pleased to host The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama, an exhibition that reflects artists’ interpretations of the Dalai Lama. A popular, beloved figure, the Dalai Lama has evolved to represent a range of different meanings. This exhibition explores the Dalai Lama’s multiple roles and iconic status, and how his work and identity resonate with people everywhere. Over 80 contemporary artists from around the world have created a work of art for the exhibition. The works are done in a range of media, from painting and sculpture to elaborate installations and video works. RMA’s core collection provides a historical context for the contemporary interpretations of the Dalai Lama represented by this exhibition. A selection of paintings and sculptures from the Museum’s collection, depicting the historical lineage of the Dalai Lama, will be included among the contemporary works of art in the exhibition.

A large part of RMA’s mission is to foster connections between the art of the Himalayas and visitors to the Museum. Including contemporary art and artists as a part of the fabric of the Museum is part of how RMA draws out and demonstrates the timelessness and universality of the themes Himalayan artists have been dealing with throughout history, which include love, death, hope, fear and struggle. The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama is situated within the rich historical context RMA is uniquely equipped to provide.

The Missing Peace: Artists and the Dalai Lama is a companion publication to the exhibition, presenting photographs and descriptions of the works in the exhibition. With a preface by the Dalai Lama, 125 full color and black and white illustrations, and original contributions from 88 artists and many notable writers from more than 30 countries, the catalog expands on the exhibition’s themes. It is available at the Shop at RMA.

Additional works of art from The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama will be on view at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), Visual Arts Gallery, 601 West 26th Street, 15th Floor, from July 12 – August 22, 2007. Please visit www.sva.edu for full details.