about
The premier exhibition of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s collection of 49 original sculptures by legendary outsider artist Nek Chand presents his work in four parts: collection, conservation, creation and context. The exhibition incorporates the culture, colors and materials of the Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, where the sculptures are located, with photographs showing the sculptures in their original context. A series of films featuring first person interviews with the artist and others help put Chand’s work and the collection in context with the mission of MuseumLab.
Conservation of the sculptures is an integral part of the immersive gallery experience because the sculptures, originally located outside and unprotected from the elements, required some level of repair. Professional curators and teaching artists worked on the sculptures in the gallery throughout the run of the exhibition, and programs were offered that allow visitors to learn first hand from experts and practice conservation techniques alongside the professionals.
The exhibition includes several hands-on activities, including making sculptures and mosaic tiles using found objects and broken pottery, using similar techniques that the artist and his apprentices used creating the original Rock Garden. Visitors can also learn about Chand’s art and life, and the Indian culture, through books, videos and observational drawing provided in the immersive gallery.
let’s create
Interested in learning more about this collaboration or in creating an experience together?