LACMA VISIT 1/6/2012

Because I missed our Saturday class, I am writing about the two exhibits my colleagues from school and I visited today.

We began our visit of LACMA by visiting the Korean art exhibit. The placard in the foyer of the exhibit explained that Korea, a mountainous country, is situated between Japan and China. As a result of this geographic placement, her native art has been influenced by those countries around her. The arrival of Buddhism in the fourth century also had a strong influence on Korean artworks, and one of our group remarked how religion in most all cultures affects art. It appeared to me that most of the art pieces were from the Joseon Period (1392 - 1910). One of the first pieces to catch my eye was a "crown" ( 5-points of connected pieces of needlepoint). This was worn by a Buddhist priest. The needlework was beautiful with tiny, tiny stitches. Next to this was a beautiful, beautiful, square of cloth with breathtaking needlepoint. The red sun was still a vibrant red and the golds and blues luminous. This piece of needlepoint was a "badge" for a government official -- I imagine it was sewn on his robe. We were a bit confused as this was labeled Chinese from the late Qing dynasty. So, we assumed it was a blending of cultures and turned to our left and back into Korean art pieces. What I walked into next was quite impressive: Buddha Seokgamoni (Preaching to the Assembly on Vulture Peak). It is one of the largest Korean Buddhist paintings in the West. It dates from 1755 (Joseon dynasty). This silk painted piece was refurbished in the museum (a good video is on line). There were more rooms of seated Buddhas, a Karma mirror and a pair of Phoenixes.....all from the Joseon dynasty.

One screen listed the eight Confucian values (Joseon period) written in Chinese calligraphy style (filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty, trust, propriety, righteousness, integrity and sensibility). This might be a possible tie in to my classroom. When we study Buddhism (7th grade), students could study this screen and identify the values with the screen and/or illustrate on their own.

However, I enjoyed the last room about Korean women the most. There were beautiful red-laquered reading tables, hats, incense burners, a beautiful golden seal of Queen Munjeon (again Joseon period), gorgeous pendants and cosmetic boxes. But, the piece of art that generated the most discussion among us was the "wrapping paper" (bojagi) that reminded me of American quilts. Korean women stitched together pieces of fabric to wrap presents with. It was a creative outlet for women who in every other aspect of their lives were obliged to work in a "world of strict order." This might be a fun project for my students......design their own bojagi and then describe (essay) about what they designed, why and what it represents. Later in 8th grade, a comparison might be made between Korean bojagi and American quilting....how these art pieces were similar (the purpose it served for women -- both as a creative outlet and as a useful item).

This outing was very enjoyable....a beautiful day.....a lovely ending to a winter break.....enjoyed with colleagues from school with lots of discussion.