Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

Art and China's Revolution
September 5, 2008–January 11, 2009

Art and China's Revolution is the first-ever exhibition to focus on the revolutionary spirit of Mao's China from the 1950s through 1970s. Bringing together large-scale oil paintings, ink scroll paintings, artist sketchbooks, posters, and objects from everyday life—many seen for the first time in the United States—the exhibition is a comprehensive, in-depth presentation of this historical period. Curated by Zheng Shengtian, independent curator and editor; and Melissa Chiu, Director, Asia Society Museum, and Vice President, Global Arts Programs.

Traces of the Calligrapher: Islamic Calligraphy in Practice and
Writing the Word of God: Calligraphy and the Qur'an
October 7, 2008–February 8, 2009

These exhibitions present examples of Islamic calligraphy, such as practice exercises, manuscripts, and folios from the Qur'an, along with the tools used to create these masterful works. The approximately 160 objects on view explore the social prestige associated with this elegant, esteemed art form. Organized by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Harvard University Art Museums. Curated by Mary McWilliams, Norma Jean Calderwood Curator of Islamic and Later Indian Art at the Arthur M. Sackler Museum; and David J. Roxburgh, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Professor of Islamic Art History at Harvard University.

Asian Journeys: Collecting Art in Postwar America
February 10-August 9, 2009

Organized by Asia Society. Curated by Adriana Proser, John H. Foster Curator for Traditional Asian Art, Asia Society, with Daisy Yiyou Wang and Jacqueline Ganem, Asia Society Museum Fellows.

Asian Journeys considers husband-and-wife collectors John D. Rockefeller 3rd (1906-1978) and Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller (1909-1992) in the context of Asian art collecting in postwar America. One of the most important influences on the couple was their relationship with advisor Sherman E. Lee. Within a span of fifteen years (1963-1978), Dr. Lee, then director of the Cleveland Museum of Art, had helped the couple assemble one of the most highly regarded private collections of Asian art in the United States. The works in their collection were, as Dr. Lee wrote, "tangible reminders" of their extensive travels in Asia, but more than that they collected art that "stirred and lifted" them. Exceptional pieces from East, South, and Southeast Asia will be presented within the context of their travels, their personal relationships, and the political status of Asian countries, especially Japan, after World War II.

Yang Fudong: Seven Intellectuals In a Bamboo Forest
March 3-September 13, 2009

Organized by Asia Society. Curated by Miwako Tezuka, Associate Curator, Asia Society.

This exhibition is the first US museum presentation of the complete five-part cinematic masterpiece by Shanghai-based artist Yang Fudong (born 1971, Beijing). The work references the legendary Seven Sages, a third-century CE group of Chinese intellectuals popularized in traditional East Asian art for centuries (see Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, below). The artist imbues an avant-garde, film noir aesthetic and modern existential thought into this mesmerizing black-and-white video work. Neither time nor location is specified, and scenery is alternately historic, modern, urban, and rural. Shown sequentially on five screens, Yang's film depicts the new experience of modernity in China while also portraying universal scenes of isolation and alienation. A book will be published in conjunction with the exhibition.

Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
March 3-April 26, 2009

Organized by Asia Society. Curated by Adriana Proser, John H. Foster Curator for Traditional Asian Art, Asia Society, with Daisy Yiyou Wang, Asia Society Museum Fellow.

In conjunction with the Yang Fudong exhibition (above), this exhibition explores the theme of this third-century group of Chinese learned men. During a time of political upheaval, the group distanced themselves from governmental service, choosing instead to spend time engaged in Daoist-inspired discussions, music, poetry, and heavy drinking. The stuff of legend, they have long been the subject of ink painting and decorative arts in East Asia.