Coming Soon: The Art of Impermanence
Exhibition opening and reception, lecture series, and more events related to our spring museum show
Kubo Shunman (1757–1820). Courtesans Promenading under Blossoming Cherry. Japan. Edo period, 1781–89.Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk. H. 16⅝ x W. 24¾ in. (42.2 x 63 cm). John C. Weber Collection. Photography by John Bigelow Taylor, courtesy of John C. Weber Collection.
In over 70 pieces spanning painting, calligraphy, drawing, ceramics, sculptures, and lacquers drawn from two of America's great Japanese art collections, Asia Society Museum's spring exhibition examines the country's unique treatment of passage in its words and art. From images that depict the cycle of the four seasons and red Negoro lacquer worn so it reveals the black lacquer beneath, to the gentle sadness evoked in the words of wistfully written poems, this exhibition demonstrates that much of Japan’s greatest art alludes directly or indirectly to the transient nature of life.
The Art of Impermanence: Japanese Works From the John C. Weber Collection and Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection is on view from February 11—April 26, 2020.
The opening reception for the exhibition includes a lecture addressing the themes of the exhibition by Adriana Proser, the John H. Foster Senior Curator of Traditional Asian Art at Asia Society and curator of The Art of Impermanence. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, the Museum will host visiting scholars' lectures on topics of art and impermanence in Japan. Find out more below:
Members-Only Exhibition Opening Reception, Lecture, and Tours
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
6—9 p.m.
The members-only opening for The Art of Impermanence includes a reception, docent-led tours of the exhibition, and a lecture from curator Adriana Proser. Find out about how to join Asia Society as a member here.
My Thoughts Dyed With You: Perspectives on Impermanence in Japanese Art
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
6:30—8 p.m.
Curator Sinéad Vilbar explores how poetry production and commentaries on Buddhist scripture communicate the ephemeral nature of human existence.
Monuments to Impermanence: New Inspirations from Ancient Japanese Stone Circles and Burial Mounds
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
6:30—8 p.m.
Archaeologist Simon Kaner discusses how the preservation of ancient relics from preliterate Japanese civilizations speaks to an aesthetic of impermanence.
Tattered Fans and Talismans: The Symbolism of Battle Fans and the Ethos of Impermanence
Friday, April 24, 2020
6:30—8 p.m.
Art historian Melissa McCormick examines the role of fans in Japanese warrior culture, from talisman to icon of ephemerality. The talk culminates with a close analysis of the arresting campaign coat (jinbaori) with tattered fan design on view in The Art of Impermanence.