Tibet Gala and Exhibit
I attended my first Asian Art Museum event as Development Coordinator. I decided to go all the way and dress in a loaned traditional Tibetan dress.
The feeling of the event was dramatically different from events that I've been a part of previously. I mean the guest list included Clint Reilly's wife and Jerry Brown!
An expectation of a certain status permeated the event as things like caviar and champagne were served.
The exhibit, TIBET: Treasures from the Roof of the World, is the first protest-worthy exhibit in the new building. It put a slight damper on the festivities as Tibetans greeted the incoming guests with postcards and signs proclaiming "Warning Stolen Art Inside."
Interestingly, talking with some of the protesters, they expressed an eagerness to see the exhibit during its run - because really they wouldn't have an opportunity to view the objects otherwise. They were mostly my age (30 or younger), so many were born here or left Tibet at an early age.
The protest was more to shed light on the current issues in Tibet and create dialogue about the curatorial choices made in relation to the exhibit. It will be interesting to see how many Tibetans will be curious enough to cross the protest lines to see their cultural artifacts.
The feeling of the event was dramatically different from events that I've been a part of previously. I mean the guest list included Clint Reilly's wife and Jerry Brown!
An expectation of a certain status permeated the event as things like caviar and champagne were served.
The exhibit, TIBET: Treasures from the Roof of the World, is the first protest-worthy exhibit in the new building. It put a slight damper on the festivities as Tibetans greeted the incoming guests with postcards and signs proclaiming "Warning Stolen Art Inside."
Interestingly, talking with some of the protesters, they expressed an eagerness to see the exhibit during its run - because really they wouldn't have an opportunity to view the objects otherwise. They were mostly my age (30 or younger), so many were born here or left Tibet at an early age.
The protest was more to shed light on the current issues in Tibet and create dialogue about the curatorial choices made in relation to the exhibit. It will be interesting to see how many Tibetans will be curious enough to cross the protest lines to see their cultural artifacts.
posted by Mai at 4:40 PM
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