The Freer Gallery hosted Asia After Dark, a one-night only event that allowed guests to explore the world of Asian art and culture.
By Roshan Farazad
Eleni Boosalis and Jubir Jossan. Photo by Roshan Farazad.
The setting was perfect. Attendees of Asia After Dark gathered at Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery, museum of Asian art, to immerse themselves in art, food, cocktails, music, and culture. It was Bhangra Night and the scene was eclectic; some women came dressed in ornate saris with jeweled bindis on their foreheads and men in traditional dress, while others came in professional attire, as they had just finished work for the day.
Those not dressed in the cultural attire did not need to worry, jeweled bindis were provided for women as they entered the gallery and different stations around the museum were set up for guests to make malas (flower garlands) and to decorate their hands with henna tattoos. Guests had a chance to sip on cocktails and eat traditional food catered by Asia Nine all the while listening and dancing to the renowned DJ Rekha spin records in the courtyard of the Freer Gallery. Attendees were also allowed to walk throughout the gallery to view the beautiful Asian art that was showcased.
Later in the evening Lalkaare Sheran De performed an amazing Bhangra dance that captured everyone’s attention. Bhangra Night gave the district the opportunity to escape from the normal nightly after work routine, learn about Asian culture, and mingle with others.
Photo by Roshan Farazad.
DJ Rekha. Photo by Roshan Farazad.
Lalkaare Sheran De. Photo by Roshan Farazad.
Sangeeta Gupta, Claybourne Clarke, and Amy Stanley Hariani. Photo by Roshan Farazad.
