|
LASplash.com: Chicago Events Beyond Golden Clouds Review - At The Art Institute of Chicago By Nacéra Kassi and Constance Delepaut The Beyond Golden Clouds Review - A wonderful tribute to Asia
We guess that if we ask you what the words Byòbu or Hyakkazu mean you would not have a clue and think, as we did before, “What are they talking about?” Well, ladies and gentlemen, we both are so glad to teach you something! The word Byòbu means folding screen and Hyakkazu, multitude of flowers in Japanese. We would never know these terms if we did not get this opportunity to preview the Beyond Golden Clouds Exhibit Japanese Screens at the Art Institute of Chicago.
On Thursday, June 25, we (first-time visitors to the US) had the privilege - as VIPs - to be part of a guided tour only open for the Art Institute’s members and led by Janice Katz ( the Associate Curator of Japanese Art at the Art Institute of Chicago) who introduced this brand new collection of Japanese Screens.
As soon as we came through the doors, the Art Institute was swarming with people. Many were lining up at the ticket offices, excited to pick up their passes for the special exhibition while some holding the tiny sheet of paper were heading energetically to the Fullerton Hall for the better seats for the unique premiere of Janice Katz’s lecture. All were reading the visitor guide and the Beyond Golden Clouds brochure what made us smile for a moment and realize that it was a very special day.
We had the pleasure to be greeted by Chai Lee, who took us under his wing since we arrived in the Art Institute of Chicago. The exhibition started off in the Fullerton Hall, a beautiful amphitheater. Searching for good seats to appreciate the lecture, we compulsively lifted our eyes up to the roof and were amazed by the beauty of the place. The roof was built with colorful stained glass windows that added a very special atmosphere to the place.
All at once, the lights went low and the crowd gave a full-minute standing ovation to the curator, Janice Katz, as she was going down the stairs. It was incredible to see that the Fullerton Hall was crowded with members, all excited to hear the woman’s commentaries concerning the Asian Treasures that the Art Institute currently displays.
Listening to Janice Katz’s lecture made us feel like we were in a history course. She perfectly introduced the Beyond Golden Clouds Exhibition like a history teacher would do. She divided the presentation in main sections: on the one hand, she technically and zealously highlighted the history of these Japanese folding screens and on the other hand, pointed out their essential characteristics and explained as well the traditional work methods to construct these gorgeous Japanese Byòbu. Janice Katz just did a wonderful job thanks to her ability to captivate the audience’s attention and by illustrating each of her comments with screen-size slides showing us the workmanship perfection and the passion of Japanese craftsmen to create these folding screens that constitute the masterpieces of the Japanese Art Collection.
Once the lecture came to the end, members spontaneously raised their hands - like pupils! - for more information about these art works and Janice Katz was delighted to answer the questions. We never expected such a vivid reaction from the audience and it was very interesting since we could enjoy everybody’s opinion about the exhibition and friendly debate about it.
We wished we could stay a little bit longer but were getting excited to discover the art collection so we both rushed to the Beyond Golden Clouds Exhibition. This exhibition was a wonderful invitation to the ancient times when old sages lived.
Fragile, pure and poetic. These are the perfect words that best describe the Beyond Golden Clouds Exhibit. Some Japanese Screens were placed on the corners of the room while some were exhibited right in the middle. And, believe us or not - anyway, you have to see that! - it was incredible to view how they modified space. The gallery has no walls but the Byòbu, actually built walls in the gallery! And going through these wide and colorful temporary walls felt like walking through a small maze!
And it was even more surprising to see that they were not enclosed like paintings or any other relic. We learned that Japanese screens were essential furnishings in the residences of courtiers where they were often used for banquets and other special occasion. But here is what is very peculiar about these Japanese Screens: they could be set up whenever and wherever the need to decorate existed such as behind a birthday celebrant or other guest of honor to demarcate their status. Quite amazing, right?
Each and every screen was a treat for our eyes. However, the Star Festival one was our favorite. We never knew that a screen could captivate us as much as this one did! We think it was the most beautiful and eccentric screen of all. This one showed the sky, land and sea tumultuously intertwined in a complex array of patterns. It represents the Milky Way and its stars, the stage upon which the legend of Tanabata is set. According the Chinese folklore, the constellations of the weaving princess (known as the star Vega) and the Heldsman (known as the star Altair) both fell in love but when they neglected their duties, they were punished by being able to meet in the sky only once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month, Tanabata.
Another eye-catching screen was the Omura Kôyô’s Blue Phoenix which demonstrates painters’ skills on a large format. If you could see it, you would immediately wish to take it home for your living room! This is a fabulous piece of work you will not be able to keep your eyes off. Why? This is a huge colorful screen representing a beautiful and royal phoenix among trees and flowers: the screen was so sophisticated that it was so lifelike. Simply astonishing.
If you visit the gallery, do not pass the Morita Shiryù’s Dragon Knows Dragons (“to recognize greatness is greatness”), the four panel screen from 1969 on which you could admire abstract forms that surprisingly enough appear to be words. Actually when you look very closely to the screen you recognize the dragon as a long sinewy tail flying through the air! Oh my, so expressive!
The Mountain Lake Screen Tachi was the last complex screen we saw. This screen has been created by the visionary artist Okura Jirò. In this work, Jirò hung pieces of imitation gold leaves that glisten as they catch the light. This Byòbu was the most special since it is the artist’s intention that over time, bits of the gold leaves will fall from the screens and little by little, the wood will return to its natural state. You understand now why we called him “visionary”.
The Beyond Golden Clouds Exhibition has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Saint Louis Art Museum. If you love Asia and her old tales with the sages and dragons, we think this exhibition is for you. So don’t waste a minute. Tour this wonderful and magical exhibition. This is a wonderful tribute that connotes the good taste, status and the essence of Japan. Are you ready to feel enchanted?
Art Institute of Chicago Published Jun 25, 2009 © Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com |
