Creating connections through South Asian art at Emory’s Carlos Museum

BY NEHA NEGANDHI*

In a city as diverse as Atlanta, where cultures intersect and thrive, the Michael C. Carlos Museum stands as a beacon of global storytelling. Since its formal establishment on Emory’s Atlanta campus in 1919, the Carlos Museum has become one of the premier museums in the Southeast. The museum holds one of the most comprehensive collections in the region with artwork from ancient Egypt, Nubia, and the Near East; Greece and Rome; and South Asia.

For more than three decades, Elizabeth Hornor has been at the heart of this institution, shaping its identity and ensuring its offerings resonate with the community it serves.

I had the privilege of meeting Hornor in person at the museum, where she gave me a personal tour of the galleries, including the South Asian collection. Her passion was palpable as she shared insights into the exhibits, connecting historical context to contemporary relevance.

“The past speaks to the present, and art is the entry point,” says Hornor, the museum’s Associate Director of Public Programs. With her keen eye for curation and a steadfast commitment to education, Hornor has spent her career paving pathways between Emory University, the broader Atlanta community and the global village.

A Gallery Revitalized

In 2021, the Carlos Museum boldly reopened its South Asian art gallery after a four-month renovation, solidifying its commitment to expanding the representation of South Asian heritage within its storied walls. The project, which Hornor oversaw alongside Emory faculty and graduate students, was more than a facelift. It was a thoughtful reimagining of how to display and interpret the art of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism—traditions that originated in India and have flourished across the globe.

“We were very aware that the gallery is not a temple,” Hornor explains. “But it was of utmost importance to be respectful in how we displayed the objects.” This respect is evident from the moment visitors enter the gallery, greeted by a statue of Ganesha, the Hindu deity known as the remover of obstacles. Positioned to the right of the entrance—as he would be in a temple—Ganesha serves as a welcome for new beginnings.

Further inside, an 11th-century sculpture of Vishnu resting on the cosmic ocean captures the Hindu concept of cyclical time, while a 10th-century bronze altar representing the Jina Rishabhanatha highlights the ascetic ideals of Jainism. The gallery’s layout and interpretive materials were carefully designed with input from scholars like Dr. Joyce Flueckiger, Dr. Sara McClintock, and Dr. Ellen Gough, ensuring academic rigor and cultural sensitivity. Also, graduate students like Adytia Chaturvedi, played a key role in ensuring the thoughtful presentation of sacred objects like the four-faced Shiva Linga.

Bridging Art and Community

For Hornor, museums are about more than just displaying objects—it’s about fostering bonds. “We wanted to connect the gallery with the large and diverse South Asian communities in Atlanta,” she says. “A mother once told me she loves the Carlos because it helps her teach her children about their culture in a way she otherwise couldn’t. That comment stayed with me.”

This philosophy shapes not only the gallery but also the museum’s broader initiatives. Programs like Odyssey Online link the Carlos’ collections to classrooms, while in-gallery activities like the “SmARTy Packs” invite families to create leaf Ganeshas, inspired by traditional motifs. These efforts reinforce Hornor’s belief that a museum isn’t just a repository of objects—it’s a vital, interactive part of the community.

Contemporary Conversations

The Carlos Museum’s embrace of contemporary art is another hallmark of Hornor’s tenure. In 2020, the museum hosted Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Expression of the Divine, an exhibition featuring the work of Mumbai-born artist Manjari Sharma. Sharma’s Darshan series—large-scale photographs recreating temple-like experiences of Hindu deities—was a collaboration unlike any other.

“The spirit of South Asia stokes the fire of community,” says Sharma. “Working with the Carlos, particularly Elizabeth, strengthened my practice. Despite the pandemic interrupting programming, the museum stayed engaged, adding pieces like Vishnu and Maa Laxmi to their permanent collection.”

These acquisitions reflect the museum’s commitment to showcasing the enduring relevance of South Asian art. Sharma’s Maa Laxmi, installed in celebration of Diwali 2024, stands alongside her Vishnu, inviting visitors into a dialogue about divinity, tradition and modernity. “Her work contributes to the understanding that Hindu gods and goddesses remain of great interest and importance to contemporary artists,” Hornor notes.

Her other poignant collection, chronicling her mother’s journey with frontotemporal dementia, is housed at University of Alabama Birmingham. “These partnerships are invaluable,” Hornor says. “They bring depth and diversity to everything we do.”

A Lasting Legacy

Elizabeth Hornor’s impact on the Carlos Museum and its visitors is undeniable. After 34 years of dedicated service, Hornor will retire at the end of 2024, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of cultural connection and education. Her career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering community and expanding the reach of the museum’s programming.

In 2021, Hornor received Emory’s International Outreach Award and its Award of Distinction—prestigious honors that recognize her decades of meaningful contributions. However, for Hornor, the true reward lies in the connections forged and communities built through her work. “I hope the South Asian community feels seen and represented in our galleries,” she reflects. “And I hope all visitors leave with a greater understanding and respect for cultures beyond their own.”

This sentiment is shared by artist Manjari Sharma, whose work continues to resonate with audiences in Atlanta and beyond. “The Carlos introduced my work to the community, and I hope to engage with the space and its people in person soon,” Sharma says.

As the Carlos Museum looks toward its future, Hornor’s contributions serve as a powerful reminder of the role of art in bridging divides, sparking dialogue, and creating a sense of belonging. In a world that often feels fragmented, the South Asian gallery at the Carlos Museum stands as a testament to the enduring strength of cultural connection—a lasting legacy of Elizabeth Hornor’s remarkable career.

Cover photo: Neha Negandhi with Elizabeth Horner.

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Neha Negandhi is a Public Speaking Coach specializing in Brand Storytelling. She is a TEDx Speaker with 10+ years speaking on stage. Through her training in journalism, she hosted a radio show in Atlanta on WMLB. Neha gained her marketing and media expertise within Fortune 100 companies including T-Mobile, Starbucks and Turner Broadcasting. Find out more at www.nehanegandhi.com