Paintings That Speak to the Pandemic

The digitally enriched exhibition showcases masterpieces that highlight epic tales of love, living well, and bravery. Persian, Turkish and Mughal Indian manuscript paintings from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries invite viewers to contemplate the uniquely human ability of the depicted heroes and heroines to overcome adversity. The exhibition itself was also created by overcoming challenges. Unable to borrow items from other museums due to travel restrictions, the Museum sought inspiration from today’s unparalleled circumstances and developed Remastered solely from its own collection. At its core, Remastered examines how art inspires us to hope and seek fulfillment even in arduous times, two qualities that have proven invaluable to many during the pandemic.

“I wanted to honour…how everyday heroism is taking place around us in the moment of the COVID-19 crisis,” said curator Dr. Michael Chagnon at the exhibition’s virtual opening ceremony on November 7, 2020. The purpose is to “see our own humanity and virtues in works of art from the past,” he said.

“We can look to the past to really understand…that we are not alone,” continued Chagnon. “Humanity has…throughout history, relied on certain things that we still rely on today: family and friends, love, community, stability, and government. These core values are reflected in these works today.” 

Remastered provides guests with a “full sensory experience” even though it is a touchless exhibition, said Chagnon. Various pieces have been enhanced through digital interventions developed in conjunction with Toronto’s Ryerson University Library. These include holographic, three-dimensional visualizations; behind-the-scenes tours of the restoration process via viewers’ smartphones; and digital restorations of illustrations that have faded or been damaged over the years. Guests can also immerse themselves in auditory recordings that re-create the sound of pre-modern instruments depicted in the paintings, such as the barbat, a lute-like instrument known today as an oud.