Gonkar Gyatso: Buddha’s Picnic
February 12 - March 17, 2018
Study for ‘Buddha’s Picnic,’ 2017, mixed media, dimensions variable
About the Exhibition
In Buddha’s Picnic, reconstructs a countryside shrine in Staniar Gallery, creating a material and experiential journey into the modern practice of constructing temporary sanctuaries. In keeping with Gyatso’s exploration of the sacred and the mundane with an approach that is both irreverent and probing, the installation invites visitors to examine the parallels between two deeply ingrained Tibetan traditions: Buddhist worship and picnicking.
Over the past 20 years, the Gyatso has gained international recognition for his multimedia work examining issues around cultural identity and hybridity. He has completed many installations including: Three Realms in Brisbane Australia in 2012, 108, Excuse Me While I Kiss the Sky for The Singapore Art Museum in 2013, Family Album at the Michael C. Carlos Museum in Atlanta, GA, 2016 and at Art Basel Encounters, March 2017.
in Washington, DC on February 17, 2018
Watch, “,” in New York on March 6, 2018 — The artist Gonkar Gyatso discusses his internationally recognized work with Katherine Paul, curator of the Arts of Asia at the Newark Museum, and Melissa R. Kerin, associate professor of art history at 91传媒. (58 min., 54 sec.)
This project is made possible with support from the Robert Lehman Foundation and Washington and Lee’s Office of the Provost.
Staniar Gallery Hours
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm during the Academic Year (unless otherwise noted for special exhibitions)