Krishna - translated as 'the dark one' or 'the black one' - is one of the most popular and multifaceted deities of Hinduism. Recognizable by his dark blue skin color and often playing a flute, he has inspired people around the world for centuries: as a divine hero, a spiritual lover and a wise teacher.
Using over 100 objects from the collection of the Museum Fünf Kontinente - including historical sculptures, paintings and ritual objects - the special exhibition explores the iconographic, regional and media diversity of Krishna's representations.
The starting point of the exhibition is the life story of Krishna, the most important episodes of which are vividly recounted. This is followed by a look at religious practice - from everyday worship in the home to major festivals such as Janmashtami (Krishna's birth) or the color festival Holi. The exhibition concludes with an examination of Krishna in global pop culture.
The exhibits come from different eras, regions and contexts and range from historical objects to contemporary forms of expression. On display are a magnificent swing and a portable folding altar as well as popular poster prints and contemporary figures. A special highlight are five precious, large-format religious wall hangings (pichwais).
The targeted juxtaposition of objects reveals continuities as well as changes and shifts in meaning in religious and cultural understanding.
Some of the works are being presented to the public for the first time. The exhibition was created in cooperation with the Center for Religious Studies (CERES) at the Ruhr University Bochum. We would also like to thank the Friends of the Museum Fünf Kontinente.
Exhibition catalog
The exhibition Krishna. Religion, Art and Pop Culture will be accompanied by a catalog in German.
Program accompanying the special exhibition
Guided tours with the curator Anne Hartig Ph.D./J.N. Univ. New Delhi will take place on the following Sundays at 2 p.m.: 3.5.26, 14.6.26, 2.8.26, 11.10.26, 8.11.26. A curator's tour with Dr. Patrick Felix Krüger will take place on 10.5.26.
Limited places. Registration at kunstvermittlung@mfk-weltoffen.de.
These and other events as part of the program accompanying the special exhibition can be found on the museum's website.
This content has been machine translated.Price information:
Adults 6 €, reduced 5 €