PDF, 5 MB - McKnight Foundation

So when she pushes the parameters of the
box—usually through collaboration with other
artists—she does so from a position of respect
and strength. She is not trying to leave her
form behind or reject it in any way. She believes
it can embrace numerous forms of outside
stimulus, maintain its own integrity, and
produce works of art of infinite beauty and
immediate relevance. Her history of more
than 20 years of producing work illustrates the
truth of her belief.
The McKnight Distinguished Artist Award
is meant to recognize many aspects of the
recipient’s work. Among them is sustained
and integral impact upon one’s community. It’s
hard to imagine a more important legacy
in these times than an artist’s ability
to believe so wholly in her own
traditions that she is willing to
incorporate elements of other
ones, confident that something
beautiful will emerge.
With Robert Bly, 1998. Photo by Ann Rosenwald
Louise Robinson is the managing director
of Ragamala Dance.
Ranee Ramaswamy 2011 mcknight distinguished artist 26