Asia Week 2014 at Asia Society
Dhumavati Shri Devi. Central Tibet. Early 15th century. Gilt copper alloy with inlays of semiprecious stones. 18 x 19 x 7 in. (45.7 x 48.3 x 17.8 cm). Asia Society, New York: Asia Society Museum Collection, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert H. Kinney in honor of Vishakha Desai, 2012.4. © 2013 John Bigelow Taylor Photography, Asia Society.
Asia Week New York, March 14-22, 2014 is a collaboration among museums, galleries, auction houses, Asian art specialists, and enthusiasts hosting exhibitions, previews, and special programs throughout the city, attracting visitors from around the world.
Exhibitions
Golden Visions of Densatil: A Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
Through May 18
Guest curator Dr. Olaf Czaja with
Dr. Adriana Proser, John H. Foster Senior Curator for Traditional Asian Art at Asia Society
This exhibition is the first ever to explore the history, iconography, and extraordinary artistic production associated with the central Tibetan Buddhist monastery called Densatil that was destroyed during China's Cultural Revolution. The Densatil Monastery is renowned for its eight extraordinary thirteenth- to fifteenth-century inlaid gilt copper memorial stupas. Following the destruction of the Monastery, fragments of the reliefs and sculptures were dispersed throughout the world. This exhibition brings together a selection of these works to explore the spiritual journey that was laid out in the imagery of the stupas.
Nalini Malani: Transgressions
Through August 3
Nalini Malani was born in 1946 in Karachi before the 1947 Partition of India, and currently lives and works in Mumbai and Amsterdam. She is one of the foremost artists working in India today. Her practice uses allegory and symbolism to explore issues relating to gender, class, and race in a postcolonial world. This exhibition features Transgressions II, 2009, a video/shadow play from the Asia Society Museum Collection, as well as a selection of Malani's artist books.
Tales of Wonder: Indian Art from the Asia Society Museum Collection
Through May 4
Fantastic legends surround the plethora of deities that populate the religions of India. The sources for the artworks in this exhibition range from religious scriptures to great Indian epics. Dynamic sculptures and paintings refer to tales of awesome beings who can morph in form, character, and size. This exhibition, organized to coincide with Nalini Malani: Transgressions, features select works from Asia Society's renowned permanent collection.
Himalayan Sculpture from the Asia Society Museum Collection
Through May 18
The four sculptures on view come from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, which forms the foundation of Asia Society Museum's permanent collection of traditional Asian art.
Shop AsiaStore for exhibition catalogues and other titles on Asian art
Related
Lecture
Chinese Museums in the 21st Century
Sunday, March 16, 10:00 am
Noted scholar and curator James C.Y. Watt, former Director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Chinese art historian Marc F. Wilson, and Asia Society Museum Director Melissa Chiu discuss the state of museums in China. Topics will include how Chinese museums are changing ideas of history and scholarship, addressing audiences in new ways, and grappling with a new generation of private collectors.
Watch the complete program
Asia Society Museum Collectors Dinner
Tuesday, March 18
6:30 pm - Reception; 7:30 pm - Dinner
Asia Society's inaugural Collectors Dinner will honor distinguished scholar James C. Y. Watt, Curator Emeritus and former Brooke Russell Astor Chairman of the Department of Asian Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
At this intimate dinner, held at Asia Society with masterpieces of Chinese art from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection on view, James Watt will give a talk sharing his thoughts and insights on how the field of Asian art has changed over the past two decades.
To purchase tables and tickets, please email: CollectorsBenefit@AsiaSociety.org
Download the RSVP form (PDF)
View the invitation (PDF)
AsiaStore Events
In-Store Event
Scholars' Rocks from the Collection of Kemin Hu
Friday-Saturday, March 14-15
AsiaStore presents a newly acquired collection from Kemin Hu. Experience the power of scholars' rocks or "spirit stones" — cherished by the Chinese since the Tang Dynasty, not sought after by for generations. Autographed copies of Hu's latest book, Spirit Stones, are available for purchase.
Personal appearances by Kemin Hu:
Friday, March 14
12:00–3:00 pm
Saturday, March 15
12:00-3:00 pm
Lecture
Lecture on Scholar's Rocks by Kemin Hu
Friday, March 14, 6:00-7:30 pm
Kemin Hu, one of the foremost experts on scholars' stones, discusses the ancient art of the Scholar's Rock and stone appreciation, describing the various stones, their history and characteristics as outlined in her latest book, Spirit Stones, co-authored by Thomas S. Elias, with photography by Jonathon M. Singer. Books available for purchase and signing.
Special Events
Asia Week Leo Bar
Friday, March 14, 7:00-9:00 pm
Kick off Asia Week at a special cocktail event. Free museum tours, music and specially-priced Leotinis.
Family Day: Spring Into Norouz!
Saturday, March 15, 1:00-4:00 pm
Norouz, the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring. Discover the spirit of Norouz with traditional music, dance and crafts from Central Asia and Iran.
For more information about Asia Week New York 2014, and details about other events throughout the city, visit: www.asiaweekny.com