Shattering the Void: Realms of Meaning in East Asian Art

JANUARY 15 - MARCH 8, 2020

Shattering the Void moves through representations of everyday life to otherworldly realms from Chinese, Korean, and Japanese art. Some of the themes addressed include longevity, transcendence, and myths and legends, which both contrast with and link to the earthly influences of calligraphy, tea, and personal adornment. Through contemporary considerations of myth and everyday life, realms of meaning are built across voids of time and geography. This exhibition is part of the Freeman Foundation K–12 Educational Outreach Initiative by the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas. A main goal of this project is to build bridges of communication between East Asian culture and local Kansas communities through the Spencer’s collections.

The installation also includes a digital platform where visitors can engage with three-dimensional scans of artworks as well as other educational resources. These resources were developed with a committee of educators from the Salina area for use in K-12 classrooms, in conjunction with visiting artist-teachers and supplemented with materials such as books, art supplies, and 3D-printed reproductions of some of the works in this exhibition. For more information about this project, please visit https://www.spencerart.ku.edu/resources-k-12.

This exhibition is funded by the Freeman Foundation.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, January 25 from 2-4pm, Join us to celebrate the Year of the Rat! Learn about Chinese New Year traditions and astrology. Create paper lanterns, origami, and other activities. Add your handprint to the creation of a dragon mural! This event is free and open to everyone.

Friday, February 7 from 5-7pm, Exhibition Reception. Special guest Saralyn Reece Hardy, Marilyn Stokstad Director at the Spencer Museum of Art will make comments at 6pm. Enjoy music by visiting percussionist, Dr. Fofo Tai-Jung Jackson, performing contemporary and Asian folk music on the marimba. Food by Seoul USA Korean Restaurant and Daimaru Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. This event is free and open to everyone.

Friday, February 7 from 7-8pm, You don't want to miss a public performance of Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company's original production of "In the Mirror, 3 Tales from Asia." This free event is brought to you by the Arts Infusion program through Salina Arts & Humanities.

Sunday, February 9 from 2-4pm, join Jenny Davis and make fish prints on Second Sunday. This event is free and open to everyone.

Wednesday, February 19 from 12-1pm, Ayako Mizumura will teach Lunch & Learn participants about the tea ceremony. Guests are welcome to bring a sack lunch. This event is free and open to everyone.