“Asian Journeys: Collecing Art in Post-war America,” which opens at the McMullen Museum of Art this weekend, features monumental sculpture and ceramic works from China, Japan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Tibet.
McMullen Exhibition is an Asian Journey
Exhibition features outstanding works from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection
By
The McMullen Museum of Art will be the exclusive traveling venue for an acclaimed exhibition of Asian masterpieces opening this weekend.“Asian Journeys: Collecting Art in Post-war America,” on display through June 6, is organized by the Asia Society Museum in New York City, where it debuted last February. The exhibition features some of the most outstanding works from the museum’s renowned permanent collection, The Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection.
On Feb. 8, the public is invited to join BC community members at a free opening celebration at the museum in Devlin Hall from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring music from the 1950s and ’60s performed by University jazz ensemble BC bOp!
“Asian Journeys” http://sites.asiasociety.org/asianjourneys examines the intersection of history, international relations, personal relationships and art collecting through a rich display of exceptional objects from Asia Society’s jewel-like permanent collection, according to exhibition organizers.
The exhibition comprises 56 works of art from Asian cultures, ranging from the late 6th century CE to the early 19th century CE, and features monumental sculpture and ceramic works from China, Japan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Tibet. Also on display will be archival material from the Rockefeller Archive in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and original photography by Mary Louise Pierson, granddaughter of Nelson A. Rockefeller, featuring interiors of Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate in the Hudson Valley, and views of the Eyrie Asian garden in Seal Harbor, Me.
“Asian Journeys” explores the sociopolitical context for American collecting of Asian art in the post–World War II period with a focus on the collecting practice of John D. Rockefeller 3rd (1906–78), the son of collectors John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, and his wife, Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller (1909–92).
From 1963 to 1978, they worked with legendary art historian Sherman E. Lee to assemble one of the most spectacular private collections of Asian art in the US. A diplomat and founder of Asia Society, JDR 3rd played a leading role in fostering cultural understanding and cooperation between Asia and America. His focus on Asian art and selection of objects for his collection were tied directly to the politics of the world in which he lived.
Through their support of Asian art and culture, the Rockefellers hoped they would have a direct impact on international relations.
“The McMullen is pleased to offer New Englanders the opportunity to view this group of Asian masterpieces,” said McMullen Museum Director and Professor of Art History Nancy Netzer. “Through the research and ingenuity of the exhibition’s curator, the works emerge in the exhibition as integral components of JDR 3rd’s plan to forge new diplomatic relationships between the US and Asia following World War II.
“The McMullen is equally privileged to place JDR 3rd’s undertaking within the context of the earlier history of Rockefeller acquisitions of Asian art by displaying original photographs of their installations by artist Mary Louise Pierson.”
“Asian Journeys” will be accompanied by a series of public events this semester. Details on these, as well as schedule information, art available at the McMullen Museum website, www.bc.edu/artmuseum