Rubin Curator Karl Debreczeny Lectures at University of Oregon on Tibetan Buddhist Art

Last month, Karl Debreczeny, the senior curator of collections and research at the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, visited the University of Oregon in Eugene to present the Lijin Collection Arts of Asia Distinguished Lecture at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA). His presentation, titled "Faith and Empire: Art and Politics in Tibetan Buddhism," examined the relationship between politics, religion, and art, situating Himalayan art within a global framework and challenging the common view of Tibetan Buddhism as merely peaceful. The event attracted over 100 attendees, including students and faculty, and was recorded for broader sharing. Debreczeny also conducted tours and discussions for four classes, engaging over 200 students with themes from the Rubin's traveling exhibition "Gateway to Himalayan Art," on display at JSMA until July 5, 2026. He highlighted the museum's upcoming shift to a global model and its Project Himalayan Art digital platform. Professors noted students were particularly intrigued by the idea of a "museum without walls" and the use of digital resources, with one graduate student even adjusting their research focus based on insights from the tour. Debreczeny's engagement was part of JSMA's initiative to connect prominent scholars with the campus and community.