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'Window of the Sacred World' is the title of this catalogue, presenting a fine selection of authentic art of India, The Himalayan regions and Southeast Asia. Focusing only on the highest artistic quality, it aims to represent the beauty and spirituality of sculpture through the camera's eye; a modest contribution towards the understanding and appreciation of Asian religious art which still contains many secrets. Distinguished by an air of practical realism, which is emphasised by the skilful exploitation of materials and creative designs, these works of art are inclined to desire and aim at a level of emotional release. They reflect the fascination and mystery of ancient cultures, as they are objects to be used for religious practices, for meditation, or as a means with which to attain a state of spiritual elevation. These images reveal and inspire a high level of faith, intellect, humanity and compassion, trying to help mankind in giving directions which lead to spiritual enlightenment. The two great principles Yin and Yang which are respectively male and female, run through the whole universe and everything which exists was believed to depend on their interplay and combinations with each other. Resemblance can be found in Hinduism were the universe is believed to be consisting of the interaction of two great forces personified as male and female deities; Shiva and Sakti. In the universe, they are generally regarded as parts of something greater, of a sublime and mysterious one, which unites and transcends them. Striking examples of the union of male and female energy are represented in tantric Buddhist art, where the physiological act of sex greatly increases suggestibility. The images of Bodhisattvas, protectors and other gods depicted in sexual embrace (yab-yum) with their saktis, are creations of a greater being, a union more powerful in order to accomplish its task. These wonderful works in Asian art reveal a spiritual artistic level and represent a deeper meaning than just decorative value or pleasing aesthetic quality. They create a sense of organic rhythm and dynamic force and exhibit the emotional inseparability between female and male, reaching a level were art is suggestive of an existing unlimited universe. Mysticism in art results from the artist's perception who was concerned with the spiritual world of his own religion. Based on religious and philosophical speculations, the crucial role of imagination follows from the belief that man's thought must have a parallel reality in the universe outside. The magic and ritual in art is therefore based on an analogy between man and the world outside him. These artists had the urge to discover and employ unknown forces in nature and to express a sense of the mysterious. As revealed by numerous inspired compositions, these original and unique concepts were created to achieve a spiritual effect, transporting a deeper meaning beyond the physical sculpture itself, expressing the confidence of the sculptor's consciousness and inner will. The artistic interpretations include compositions based on dreams which are representing different layers of the psyche. Fertility and the need for a good harvest were in addition seen in the gift of super natural powers. Other images were created for the belief that houses and monasteries must be protected against hostility, and man must be protected against illness. Many of these sculptures are mesmerising from all angles and are unsurpassed in their majestic beauty and spiritual presence. Most often they are skilfully modelled, containing a consistent quality of powerful movements and finely delineated features, and are executed with complementing gilding and polychromes. These inspired works of art are a worthy representation of the Asian sacred world. Marcel Nies, 2002
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