Arts journalist Richard Selden leads a visit to Richmond to experience Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The special exhibition displays nearly 100 spectacular objects of Buddhist art from the 9th century to as recent as 2016, drawn primarily from the collections of the VMFA and the Asian Art Museum of?San Francisco. The exhibition unfolds in a series of immersive spaces, allowing viewers to trace a narrative journey from clamor to contemplation that reflects the Buddhist quest for enlightenment.
Among the works featured in Awaken are several of the intricate paintings on cotton and silk appliqué known as thangkas, essential components of Tibetan Buddhist teaching and worship. To deepen the appreciation of these symbolically complex textiles, the group visits Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts for a presentation on the history and current practice of fiber arts.
Lunch is in VMFA’s Marble Hall.
Fringe stop at about 8:25 a.m.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit