Galleries explore ancient Asian storytelling

A scan around our state art galleries reveals a continued embrace and celebration of partnerships with South and Southeast Asia's cultural organisations.
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The abduction of Sita by Ravana from Panchvati; The bird Jatayu tries to save Sita, late 18th century, Chamba style, Pahari miniature exhibited at NGA; Courtesy Collection National Museum, New Delhi, India

For centuries past, the many countries, ethnic groups and religions of South and Southeast Asia have enjoyed rich storytelling traditions. Most common are the stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and folk ballads, epic tales that have been relayed by exotic coloured miniatures, cloths, wall paintings,​and puppet shows.

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Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's National Visual Arts Editor. For a decade she worked as a freelance writer and curator across Southeast Asia and was previously the Regional Contributing Editor for Hong Kong based magazines Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. Prior to writing she worked as an arts manager in America and Australia for 14 years, including the regional gallery, biennale and commercial sectors. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW. Twitter: @ginafairley Instagram: fairleygina