Asia Blog

First Reviews for 'Buddhist Art of Myanmar' Hail a 'Sculptural Nirvana'

Vishnu; Pagan period, 11th–12th century; Bronze; H. 14 x W. 7 x D. 4 in. (35.6 x 17.8 x 10.2 cm). National Museum, Yangon. (Sean Dungan)

Arts

"It would be wonderful to see shows like this more frequently," says The Guardian about Asia Society Museum's new exhibition — while The New York Times declares flatly, "the show is a find."

February 25th by Tim Lau | Comments

Photo of the Day: A Sinking Orb of Fire in Japan

Multimedia

A setting sun seascape echoes the image of the national flag in Japan on February 14, 2015. (halfrain/Flickr)

February 24th by Kieu Truong | Comments

In Myanmar, a Former Hijacker Finds His Own 'Middle Path,' Without Regrets

Buddhist monks read newspapers at a stall near the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon on May 9, 2014. (Soe Than WIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Current Affairs

Now editor-in-chief at one of Myanmar’s top media properties, former hijacker Soe Myint reflects on his country’s journey, and his own, with Asia Society’s Tom Nagorski.

February 23rd by Tom Nagorski | Comments

Photo of the Day: Standing Out in Indonesia

Multimedia

A Java sparrow's red beak stands out in the lush greenery in Indonesia on February 17. 2015. (Mario Madrona/Flickr)

February 23rd by Kieu Truong | Comments

Video: A 'Miraculous Conception' Cast in Sandstone Makes Its Way From Myanmar

On loan from the Bagan Archeological Museum in Myanmar,

Arts Multimedia

Donald M. Stadtner, a guest curator of the Asia Society Museum exhibition Buddhist Art of Myanmar, shares his insights into an intricately wrought sandstone sculpture depicting the Buddha's entry into the world.

February 20th by Tahiat Mahboob | Comments

Interview: Barbara Demick Says No Need to Exaggerate North Korea Stories, 'Truth is Bad Enough'

Barbara Demick in Beijing, where she was formerly Los Angeles Times bureau chief. (Barbara Demick)

Current Affairs

Ahead of her February 25 appearance at Asia Society New York, the veteran journalist who reported from South Korea and China discusses potential conflict in the region, North Korean defectors, and the media atmosphere in China.

February 20th by Eric Fish | Comments

Book Excerpt: 'Discontent and Its Civilizations' by Mohsin Hamid

Arts Current Affairs

"The idea that we fall into civilizations, plural, is merely a politically convenient myth," writes Moshin Hamid in the title essay of his new collection. Author talk at Asia Society New York on February 23.

February 20th by Asia Society | Comments

Photo of the Day: Bracing Against the Storm in Japan

Multimedia

Winter trees evoke loneliness in the middle of a storm near Lake Biwako, Japan on February 9, 2015. (Japanexperterna.se/Flickr)

February 20th by Kieu Truong | Comments

Interview: Nicholas Kristof Sees 'Slacktivism' as 'Gateway Drug to Greater Engagement'

Nicholas Kristof speaks onstage during the 'Independent Lens: A Path Appears' panel discussion at the PBS Network on January 20, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Current Affairs

Ahead of his February 26 Asia Society talk, the New York Times columnist discusses efficient humanitarianism, harassment of journalists in China, and viral activism.

February 19th by Eric Fish | Comments