The McMullen Student Ambassadors are pleased to present Art in Focus, featuring an informal discussion between Boston College professors from various academic departments. With each new episode, we aim to uncover a unique perspective on the works on display, informed by research and methodologies in areas of study across the University. Each conversation will bring the exhibition’s works “into focus” to highlight art’s expansive reach and interdisciplinary nature.
The following podcast is the first installment in the Art in Focus series, where we explore different themes and artwork from the “Gateway to Himalayan Art” exhibition. For this episode, we invited Boston College Visting Assitant Professor Matthew Vale and his colleague Associate Professor Yonder Gillihan of the Theology Department to talk about one of the paintings, Panjarnatha Mahakala, in the exhibit. Together, they discuss, as theologians, how iconography from other religious traditions can provoke reflections and help, for example, Christians learn more about their own faith.

For the quoted biblical texts, please see below.


