Collecting Philippine Art at the Asian Art Museum
Green, copper-based paint has destroyed its fabric backing in this Southeast Asian painting from the Doris Duke Collection. See how conservators are patching all the green areas of the painting.
This elegant daybed is covered in grime. Mirrored surfaces, cloudy and gray, renew their shine under the conservator's careful hand.
When parts of an object are missing, conservators make new parts by making a mold and cast of an existing piece.
Art Historian Tony Godfrey discusses recent developments in Indonesian contemporary art. Godfrey explores questions about a national tradition of art, predominantly painting, has come into being since Indonesian independence in 1945. Art in Indonesia has often been responsive to political or social change, it is also often highly poetic, very satiric and funny. Why is this? Indonesian art is becoming more international: is it in danger of losing its connection to traditional culture and its role in the historical development of the country?
Learn kecak, the Ramayana monkey chant depicting a battle from the epic story in which Hanuman helps Rama fight the demon Ravana. Members of Gamelan Sekar Jaya teach audience members simple percussive chants through basic patterns of kecak, some body movement and cueing—louder, softer, stopping and different percussive sounds. Using what they’ve learned, the audience is invited to join Gamelan Sekar Jaya members in a kecak, making the space vibrate with the sounds of “cak”. An excerpt of a dance showcasing the Ramayana will also be performed.
Crucified Christ, approx. 1650-1750. Philippines. Colors on wood. Acquisition made possible by the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee, 2016.163. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
Students become familiar with the Hindu concept of dharma as it is expressed in the Bhagavad Gita.
Emerald Cities: Arts of Siam and Burma, 1775–1950 was the first major exhibition in the West to explore the rich but little known arts of Siam and Burma from 1775–1950. View lectures by renowned scholars related to this exhibtion (on view at the Asian Art Museum from October 23, 2009–January 10, 2010).
Everything is Sacred #1, 2009, by Norberto Roldan (Filipino, b. 1953). Wood, glass, plastic, metal, and cotton. Acquisition made possible by the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee (2014-15), Therese Francia Martin, Catherine Cheung and museum funds, 2015.33.a-.b. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
An excerpt from Sita’s Daughters, a dance piece choreographed and performed by acclaimed artist Mallika Sarabhai.
Renowned scholars discuss the impact of personalities and patronage on the arts of Asia.
Farmers working and resting, 1955, by Fernando Amorsolo (Filipino, 1892 - 1972), Oil on canvas, Gift of Alexander and Cornelia Calhoun, 2005.99. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
Members of the Bay Area Filipino community discuss the importance of collecting Philippine art at the Asian Art Museum.
A conversation with artist Manuel Ocampo, moderated by assistant curator of contemporary art Dr. Karin Oen. This conversation was in conjunction with the exhibition First Look: Collecting Contemporary at the Asian at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco from Sept. 4 through Oct. 11, 2015.
Four-lobed wall tile, 1450-1500, Vietnam, made for the Indonesian market, Glazed stoneware with underglaze cobalt decoration, Gift of Betty and Jack Bogart, 1994.141.
The Society for Asian Art's renowned Arts of Asia lecture series will focus on trade roads and sea routes. You will be transported from courts to caravans, from stupas to shipwrecks, from mountain passes and river valleys to open seas. Travel with merchants and monks, monarchs and missionaries and see their riches and relics. Discover ancient ceramics, sculptures, coins, calligraphy, tea wares, textiles and much more.
The Hindu Deities Shiva and Parvati, 1000-1100. Cambodia; former Kingdom of Angkor. Sandstone. The Avery Brundage Collection, B66S2 and B66S3.
Artist, Jakkai Siributr, discusses his work. Here/Not Here: Buddha Presence in Eight Recent Works brings together recent art by Jakkai Siributr, Sopheap Pich, and Pinaree Sanpitak, three artists who use traditional Buddhist ideas and imagery to comment on contemporary life. On view at the Asian Art Museum (April 1–October 23, 2011).
Asian Art Museum Art Speak interns discuss an Indonesian rod puppet in the museum's collection.
An introduction to the arts of Bali.
Dubbed “one of Southeast Asia’s leading contemporary artists,” Jakkai Siributr is noted for his detailed tapestries and installations that comment on the religious, social and political issues facing Thailand today. Asian Art Museum Art Speak interns sat down with Jakkai to discuss his three works in the exhibition Here/Not Here: Buddha Presence in Eight Recent Works (on view at the Asian Art Museum from April 1–October 23, 3011) and his perspectives on politics, art school, free time, and much more.
Dubbed “one of Southeast Asia’s leading contemporary artists,” Jakkai Siributr is noted for his detailed tapestries and installations that comment on the religious, social and political issues facing Thailand today. Asian Art Museum Art Speak interns sat down with Jakkai to discuss his three works in the exhibition Here/Not Here: Buddha Presence in Eight Recent Works (on view at the Asian Art Museum from April 1–October 23, 3011) and his perspectives on politics, art school, free time, and much more.
Dubbed “one of Southeast Asia’s leading contemporary artists,” Jakkai Siributr is noted for his detailed tapestries and installations that comment on the religious, social and political issues facing Thailand today. Asian Art Museum Art Speak interns sat down with Jakkai to discuss his three works in the exhibition Here/Not Here: Buddha Presence in Eight Recent Works (on view at the Asian Art Museum from April 1–October 23, 3011) and his perspectives on politics, art school, free time, and much more.
In his most recent work, Indonesian artist Jompet Kuswidananto explores political and cultural identity, particularly around the people and history of Java. Informed by theories drawn from the field of cultural studies, he connects local history to global movements with a focus on the fragility of changing identities.
Learn about how people in Bali approach the story of Rama and see how to facilaite different forms of Balinese kecak with Gamelan Sekar Jaya and teachers at the Asian Art Musuem.
Paul Hoover reads a poem he wrote in response to the works "Anonymity," 2008-2011 (eight from a series of nine light boxes) by Poklong Anading and Chinese bronze mirrors (from the Asian Art Museum's collection). These works are on view as part of the exhibition Phantoms of Asia: Contemporary Awakens the Past (on view at the Asian Art Museum from May 18–September 2, 2012). This presentation was part of MATCHA. Co-presented with Litquake.
Asian Art Museum Storyteller Amit Pendyal tells a scene from the Rama epic (Ramayana) with the use of artworks in the museum's collection. Discover more fresh takes on this ageless tale in the exhibition, The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe.
Lion, approx. 1150–1225. Cambodia; former kingdom of Angkor. Sandstone. Museum purchase, B76S1.
Watch excerpts from Makrokosma Bali, a new work from composer Wayne Vitale in collaboration with Sekaa Gong Taruna Mekar—a renowned gamelan ensemble from Bali under the direction of I Made Arnawa—and US-based visual and set designers. The work combines new music for gamelan orchestra with projected video and still imagery, digital-audio soundscapes, and an integrated lighting and set design. Makrokosma Bali contrasts the cultural values and cosmology of Bali with those of Western origin, exploring a range of scales from macro (galaxies) to micro (a human cell). A panoply of video imagery—people, landscapes, cities, rice harvesting, offerings, temples, the forging of red-hot bronze gongs—will be projected onto multiple screens and surfaces, brought to life through the virtuosic playing of Sekaa Gong Taruna Mekar.
Make a monkey puppet in celebration of the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac.
It’s that time of year again, when the museum gears up for its annual Filipino American History Month Celebration. This year’s theme of MOVEMENT focuses on the traditions of dance, martial arts, word and art of the Philippines. The day kicks off with opening remarks. Then the ACPA takes the stage for a performance titled, Voyage to Mindinao. Kasamahan dancers from the University of San Francisco dancers perform dances combining Filipino and Filipino American experiences. Then immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of the rondalla, a stringed instrument ensemble, by the young musicians of ACPA.
Pair of Door Guardians, approx. 1300-1400. Indonesia; East Java. Andesite. Gift of Connoisseurs' Council, Walter Jared Frost and David Salman, 1997.6.2.
Panji (and sometimes other refined male characters), perhaps 1800–1900. Indonesia; Tegal, Central Java. Wood, cloth, and mixed media. From the Mimi and John Herbert Collection, F2000.86.18.
The sponsorship of art by monarchs, merchants, and devotees throughout Asia will be explored. Lectures will focus on topics spanning Chinese patronage from ancient times through several of the most famous imperial dynasties (Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing) to Jayavarman VII (Angkor Wat), the Safavids in Persia, Jahanara Begum (Shah Jahan's daughter), and even contemporary patrons like the Samsung family.
There are many Hindu deities, some with great and others with limited powers. Learn more.
While there is no one text or creed that forms the basis of all Hindu beliefs, several texts are considered fundamental to all branches of Hinduism. Learn more.
As long as people have valued art there has been incentive to make copies, imitations and fakes...
Join Myrna Zialcita from the San Francisco Filipino Amercian Jazz Festival as we honor Blues, R&B, and Jazz pioneer, San Francisco’s own, Sugar Pie De Santo. Contemporary artist, Aireene Espiritu, will perform some of Ms. De Santo’s classic and beloved compositions, as well as some of her own originals.
Cecilia Gaerlan from the Bataan Legacy Historical Society and Stephen Haller, historian for the National Park Service at Golden Gate National Recreation Area will take us on a journey through time as they highlight significant milestones in Filipino history, from the 1898 Battle of Manila up to present day.
Barong masks are often sold as souvenirs, but true ritual Barong are created using a particular type of wood with special ceremonies marking key points in the process. In this video, scholar I Wayan Dibia is at the home of mask carver I Wayan Tanguhh and describes the process of repairing a Barong mask. The Barong is a protective deity that can take on a variety of animal forms--lions, tigers, and boars are some of the more common images--and each one is addressed using a respectful title such as Great God or Great Lord. Many villages, especially in southern Bali, have their own Barong figure. The Barong mask is kept in a shrine within a temple and brought out for use.
A lecture series with renowned scholars on the arts of Southeast Asia and the Himalayas.
Temple dances involve refined, stylized motions of daily life as a gift to visiting deities during festivals. Enchanting music, splendid costumes, and exquisite movements are pleasurable to both divine guests and village audiences. Celebrate the opening of the Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance exhibition (on view at the Asian Art Museum from February 25-September 11, 2011) with an auspicious performance of dance and music by ensemble Gadung Kasturi.
Discover a Hindu story about a witty princess.
Sita (Sinta), wife of Rama, approx. 1980. Indonesia; West Java. Wood, cloth, and mixed media. From the Mimi and John Herbert Collection, F2000.86.148.
This selection of resources support the stART storytelling school program at the Asian Art Museum.
This selection of resources introduces stories and characters from South and Southeast Asia. Resources support the Stories from South and Southeast Asia storytelling school program at the Asian Art Museum.
Thailand’s Loi Krathong festival is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month (usually in November) and involves floating offerings along waterways. A banana-leaf cup drifting down the stream carries away ill-fortune and honors the River Goddess. The ritual is believed to have strong ties to Buddhism. You can’t go to Thailand, but you can still celebrate this peaceful tradition at MATCHA with live music and dance by Thai Cultural Center.
Asian Art Museum Storyteller Miriam Mills tells a scene from from the Rama epic (Ramayana) with the use of artworks in the Asian Art Museum's collection. Discover more fresh takes on this ageless tale in the exhibition, The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe.
The Bhante Seelawimala tells the story of how the Buddha attained enlightenment.
The demon king Ravana (Rawana), enemy of Rama, approx. 1950-1980. Indonesia; West Java. Wood, cloth, and mixed media. From The Mimi and John Herbert Collection, F2000.86.31.
Apart from their damaged limbs, these 1,000-year-old Cambodian sculptures survive in excellent condition, and the fact that they have remained together makes them rare. These statues would have been in the inner sanctuary of a Hindu temple, a huge stone complex built up like a step pyramid, with the sanctuary at the top. Images of Shiva acting out his power in the world might be found on the outside of an ancient Cambodian temple, but inside the temple the deity would be shown standing upright and still, conveying a sense of resolute calm to all who gazed upon him.
Dr. Forrest McGill, Wattis Senior Curator of South and Southeast Asian Art and Director of the Research Institute for Asian Art, will explain to the rituals and their significance of the Thai king's cremation ceremony (Fall 2017).
Travel to the Balinese village of Tenganan to discover how double ikat textiles, known as geringsing, are made. Gering means "sick" and sing means "no." Geringsing are prized for their ability to ward off evil and sickness.
Meet Hanuman, prince Rama's faithful ally in the Rama epic.
Learn to identify Rama, prince and hero of the Rama epic.
Learn about Ravana, the great foe of the Rama epic. Who is he? What does he look like? What is his role in the epic?
Whos is Sita, heroine of the Rama epic? How have artists portrayed her in different cultures and times?
An introduction to the Rama epic produced for the Asian Art Museum by filmmaker and cultural historian Benoy K. Behl, featuring performances from across South and Southeast Asia.
Use this collection of resource to prepare your students for their visit to the exhibition The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe on view at the Asian Art Museum Oct. 21, 2016-Jan. 15, 2017.