ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
The Punjabi phrase chardi kala expresses the concept of unwavering optimism, even in the face of hardship. The idea of maintaining a positive mindset is a crucial tenet of the Sikh faith, but that positivity is not meant to be a passive state of being, but rather a never-ending opportunity for believers to shape the world around them through service. Chardi Kala: Rising Above Adversity explores the concept of chardi kala through contemporary artworks depicting some of the collective hardships endured by Sikh communities and the ways that they continually work to improve the society they live in.
Rupy C. Tut, Floating Hope, 2022. Natural pigments on wood panel. Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco. Photo: Eric Ruby
Header: Installation view of Chardi Kala: Rising Above Adversity, 2024. Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Katie Jones-Weinert
EXHIBITION SPONSORS
Chardi Kala: Rising Above Adversity is organized by Phoenix Art Museum and curated by Colin Pearson, Adjunct Curator for Asian art.
All exhibitions at Phoenix Art Museum are underwritten by the Phoenix Art Museum Exhibition Excellence Fund, founded by The Opatrny Family Foundation, with additional major support provided by Joan Cremin.
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On view for a limited time, exhibitions present art from across the centuries and the globe, from iconic fashion to Old Master paintings, contemporary photography to historical objects of Asia.
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Featuring more than 20,000 objects, the collection spans the globe, bringing the world to our city, and our city to the world.
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