Coming Exhibitions

Han relics on show in Paris

by Lin Qi via “China Daily“

Valuable Chinese relics are to be exhibited in France, giving European visitors a glimpse ofthe rich traditions of the Han Dynasty. Lin Qi reports. It is probably the largest exhibition of Chinese relics outside thecountry. Curators describe it as “an unrivaled show” as itexplains why the majority of Chinese are called the Han peopleand why they speak the language of Han people and write Hancharacters. The exhibition, Han Dynasty, will open at the MuseeGuimet in Paris in October, and will display about 457 artifactsthat bear testimony to the dynamism of the Middle Kingdom.

The exhibition, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of theSino-French diplomatic relations, will present a retrospective ofthe Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), the empire that hadprofound and long-lasting influences on Chinese history.Antiquities, including dozens of national grade one collections,are on loan from 27 Chinese museums and cultural institutions.They provide various perspectives on the dynasty’sadministration system, its agriculture, its alliances with borderingcountries and the start of Silk Road through which itcommunicated with the West.

“The exhibition will demonstrate the most complete and beautifulgems of the Han Dynasty, helping people to understand the foundation of Chinesecivilization,” says Sophie Makariou, director of the Musee Guimet.

“One of the highlights of the exhibition is the juxtaposition of archaeological discoveries made over the past five decades,which continue to renovate Chinese archaeology.”

These breakthroughs have been largely achieved during burial excavations, with the objectsfound revealing the relationship between emperors and feudal princes. Terracotta warriorsare some of the best examples of the imperial power, which come from the mausoleum of LiuQi (188-141 BC), the empire’s fourth emperor, which has been turned into a museum in Xi’an.Visitors will also see lamps and incense burners from the tomb of Liu Sheng (165-113 BC),son of Liu Qi and titled Prince Jing of Zhongshan. . . . .

Cambodia’s Angkor artifacts to be exhibited in China

via “China Daily”

Eighty masterpieces from Cambodia’s renowned Angkor Wat Temple will be displayed in China for six months, aiming at promoting cultural ties between the two countries.

Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona and Liu Shuguang, director general of the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage, signed an agreement on the ancient artifacts lease on Tuesday with the presence of Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo.

According to a press statement after the signing ceremony, Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage, Beijing Huaxie Cultural Development Company and Capital Museum China will co-organize the exhibition, to be commenced in Capital Museum China in Beijing from December 26, 2014 for three months, afterwards in Guangdong Provincial Museum from April to late June in 2015.

The complete 80 pieces of historical relics are borrowed from the National Museum of Cambodia.

“As the first ever showing exhibition from Cambodia in China, this event is bound to open a new chapter of cultural exchange between the two countries,” the statement said.

“It will provide a unique platform of reflection towards history, civilization, religious feature and arts achievement of Angkor period in Cambodia.”

Phoeurng Sackona said the exhibition will be a unique chance to enhance friendship and cultural ties between Cambodia and China.

“We hope that the exhibition will help promote Cambodian culture to both Chinese and foreigners in China,” she told reporters.

“I also hope that through the event, more Chinese tourists will visit Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple, a world heritage site.” . . . .

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Coming Exhibition: Loving Devotion: Enter the Mandala

“Enter the Mandala”

“Taima Mandala” (1300s – 1400s)

Who: Asian Art Museum

When: Mar. 14, 2014 – Oct. 26, 2014 (Tues-Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m. – 9 pm.)

Where:

Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA

How Much:

Adults ~ $15
Seniors, Students, Youth ~ $10

More Information: Here.

“Mandalas are maps of Buddhist visionary worlds.

Minutely detailed and saturated with philosophical meaning, these works (most often paintings or sculptures) are a feast for the eyes and the mind—nested squares and circles are arrayed to represent the center of the cosmos and the four cardinal directions. For Buddhist practitioners, however, mandalas are not just images to view, but worlds to enter—after recreating the image in their mind’s eye, meditators imaginatively enter its realm.But is it possible to have this experience without years of meditative discipline?

Enter the Mandala says yes. In this exhibition, 14th-century paintings align a gallery with the cardinal directions, transforming open space into an architectural mandala—a chance to experience the images in three dimensions, to dwell in the midst of the cosmic symbols and be transported to another world. Visitors can literally “enter the mandala,” exploring places in the cosmos—and perhaps themselves—that might otherwise remain invisible. “

Coming Exhibition: Loving Devotion: Visions of Vishnu

“Loving Devotion: Visions of Vishnu”

Vishnu with Attendants, Bangladesh, 12th century, schist (stone), Collection of the Newark Museum

Who: BYU Museum of Art

When: Sept. 5, 2014 – Feb. 21, 2015 (Mon-Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.)

Where:

Brigham Young University Museum of Art
North Campus Drive
Provo, Utah 84602

How Much: Generally Free, some special exhibits require a ticket.

More Information: Here.

“Featuring a variety of exquisite art objects from the Indian subcontinent, Loving Devotion illuminates the rich heritage and symbolism of Hindu worship in the lives of believers, immersing viewers in the beliefs and culture of one of the world’s oldest and largest religions.

Focusing on images of Vishnu and Krishna that span centuries of history, the exhibition explores how bhakti (the practice of fervent, impassioned devotion to deity) influences the lives and worship of Hindu people and reveals the depth and intimacy of their relationship towards the divine.

Indeed, building a relationship with God is at the core of life’s purpose for the devoted believer, and both Vishnu, the Preserver, and his incarnation, Krishna, are highly revered deities that have both been the focus of significant bhakti worship. Through powerful images of these Gods inscribed on stone, in bronze or in paintings, worshippers and viewers alike are invited to learn that god is love and not fear, and understand how worship can evolve from practice to joyful experience of immense love and devotion. . . . .”

Korean Cultural Heritage Festival Marries Contemporary and Cool with Traditional Arts

“Korean Cultural Heritage Festival Marries Contemporary and Cool with Traditional Arts”

by Carlito Pablo via “Georgia Straight“

THIS YEAR’S KOREAN Cultural Heritage Festival will have a modern feel.

According to festival spokesperson Mike Suk, it’s going to be vibrant and cutting-edge, reflecting South Korea’s status as a major global tastemaker, from cars to smart phones to pop culture. The festival’s theme is Dynamics of a Modern Korea.

“We want to show people the new Korea,” Suk told the Georgia Straight in a phone interview.

According to Suk, Hyundai will roll out its latest cars at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby’s Central Park, the venue for the 13th annual festival organized by the Korean Cultural Heritage Society.

He added that for the first time, huge TV screens will be set up to play Korean pop-music (K-pop) videos and commercials throughout Saturday (August 16). On-stage, local performers will sing and dance to K-pop songs.

“The energy is going to feel different,” Suk said. “It is important to note, this festival is not exclusive to the Korean community but rather a true celebration of a multicultural Canada”

Historically, the festival has been about traditional elements, and Suk said those will be present as well. A drum dance will open the festivities, followed by a reenactment of a traditional Korean royal wedding.

There will be a demonstration of the Korean martial art tae kwon do, and there will be tightrope-walking, or jultagi. A food pavilion will offer Korean food, beer, and wine, and traditional Korean souvenirs and gifts will be sold.

B.C.’s Korean community has grown to about 80,000. According to Suk’s organization, it is second in size in Canada to Ontario’s. . . . .”