Video: How Asia Society Took the Lead in Asian Art
Over the past two decades, Asia Society has showcased artwork — ancient and contemporary, traditional and cutting-edge — from all corners of Asia. But amidst the variety of exhibitions and performances, there was one constant — Vishakha N. Desai, who began as the director of Asia Society Museum and then became the organization's president in 2004. Desai stepped down as president on September 1 of this year.
In her 22-year tenure Desai was instrumental in creating contemporary exhibitions that introduced American audiences to major new work and traditional exhibitions that recast classic pieces in a new light. New Chinese Art—Inside Out and Arts of Ancient Viet Nam were two such exhibitions, for instance.
In the video above, Desai reflects on the groundbreaking exhibitions that attracted visitors, elicited rave reviews and put the organization at the forefront of Asian art in America.
If you're interested in learning more, join a conversation between Vishakha N. Desai and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times chief art critic Holland Cotter as they discuss the last two decades of new art from Asia, and consider potential future directions, at Asia Society New York on September 24, 2012. For those who can't make it, the talk will also be a free live video webcast on AsiaSociety.org/Live at 6:30 pm ET. Click here for complete details.