A twenty-year project has finally come alive! Nancy Tingley, art historian and curator of the Asia Society Museum, has been working since 1988 to create the first major U.S. exhibition of Vietnamese ancient art. This past Tuesday, the Arts of Ancient Viet Nam exhibit premiered at the Asia Society Museum in New York. The New York Times has already declared the show definitely worth seeing.
The exhibit is a collection from 10 Vietnamese museums, with art dating from the first millennium B.C. to the 17th century A.D. You’ll experience dozens of cultures from both inside and outside Vietnam. Fascinating pieces you can expect include: a bronze drum as hefty as a hot tub, a wooden Buddha, Hindu deities, contortionist dancers, a tiny serpent of beaten gold basks, and ceramic plates and bowls. The exhibit will remain the the New York museum from Feb. 2 to May 2. Make sure to stop by to show support for Vietnamese art if you’re in the area!
Check out the New York Times article by Holland Scott here to learn more about Vietnam’s art history and influences.
Oh, Vietnam ancient arts are so wonderful! Just like African arts, they truly contribute a great role in our history. If you’re a historian or anyone who loves art, you’ll truly love ancient art like sculptures.