One in every seven women in the world is a Hindu living in India. Most of these women create artwork in the form of paintings and drawings as part of their religion. The paintings, acting as prayers that are thought to bring luck and keep away danger, are a tradition, passed down from generation to generation.

The make-up and design of the paintings changes frequently, with the women of some regions repainting their walls as often as once a day, and others doing it only once a year. Despite the fact that these paintings number in the millions, they receive little to no attention, remaining virtually unheard of in throughout the world.

This lack of exposure combined with the sheer beauty of the artwork has compelled Gallery 181 and the College of Design to present Women’s Rituals Art of India: Views from Three Photographers, an exhibit of the work of three photographers, and their view.

The three photographers, none of whom have worked together before, are Dr. Stephen Huyler, an American, Jyoti Bhatt, a native of India, and Raghav Kaneria, also a native of India.

Dr. Huyler, who will conduct a lecture Monday at ISU, is a cultural anthropologist, who has conducted field research for in India for the last 24 years. The focus of his work has been rural arts, particularly those related to sacred rituals, and is the subject of a one-man show at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington D.C.

Jyoti Bhatt and Raghav Kaneria have both been widely exhibited in India, and are well established in other fields. Bhatt is a painter and a graphic artist, who received Fulbright and Rockefeller grants to study at the Pratt Institutes.

Kaneria is a sculptor in all mediums, who has received many awards in India. His works have been exhibited throughout Europe and India. He also teaches at the College of Fine Arts at the University of Baroda in Gujarat, with Bhatt.

Women’s Ritual Art of India: Views from Three Photographers began Monday and will last until Nov. 29, with a break for Thanksgiving from Nov. 19 until the 26th. Stephen P. Huyler’s lecture will be next Monday, at 4:10 p.m. in Room 238 Coover Hall.