Faith and Empire: Art and Politics in Tibetan Buddhism

Lijin Collection Arts of Asia Distinguished Lecture

Faith and Empire: Art and Politics in Tibetan Buddhism

Karl Debreczeny, Senior Curator, Collections and Research, Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

This talk will explore the intersection of politics, religion, and art in Tibetan Buddhism. At the heart of this dynamic is the force of religion to claim political power, both symbolically as a path to legitimation in the form of sacral kingship, and literally as a tantric ritual technology to physical power in the form of magic. The use of reincarnation as a means of succession was a unique model of political legitimacy employed by courts in Tibet and brought to empires to the east. Images were one of the primary means of political propagation, integral to magical tantric rites, and embodiments of power. Through the lens of Tibetan Buddhism’s significant and sustained political role this discussion will place Himalayan art in a larger global context and highlight an aspect of the tradition that is critical to understanding its importance on the world stage but may run counter to popular perceptions.

Karl Debreczeny is Senior Curator, Collections and Research, at the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art. He holds masters degrees in art history and Tibetan studies from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in art history from the University of Chicago. His research focuses on exchanges between Tibetan and Chinese artistic traditions. He has curated exhibitions including Faith and Empire: Art and Politics in Tibetan Buddhism (2019) and Masterworks: A Journey through Himalayan Art (2016–2024) and co-curated many others including Lama, Patron, and Artist: The Great Situ Panchen (Smithsonian NMAA, 2010); Remember That You Will Die (2010); Gateway to Himalayan Art (2009–2015); and Wutaishan: Pilgrimage to Five Peak Mountain (2007). His current ongoing project is content co-lead on the educational initiative Project Himalayan Art (launched 2023).