Very soon the new Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture will open to the public. Before we turn to Japanese-everything this June when it debuts, the gallery is offering a spectacular invitation to begin our journey to the East with the Splendors of Shiga: Treasures from Japan exhibition.
The region of Shiga is not just one of the most picturesque regions of Japan, but the Shiga Prefecture and the State of Michigan have a Sister-State relationship in one of the oldest and most comprehensive cultural partnerships between our two nations.
But unlike other shows in the past, this show will rotate with the seasons, featuring these themes over 2015: Winter (January 30-March 22), Spring (March 28-June 4) and Summer & Fall (June 10-August 16). The exhibition will be temporarily closed March 23–27 and June 5–9 for changing of artifacts on display.
Art never before seen in the United States will appear in works dating back to the 9th century and up through the 20th century. Themes that one can expect from this show, which was five years in the making, will include: Devotional Treasures, The Landscape, Beauty in Daily Life, The Four Seasons and Ceremonial and Domestic Ceramics.
The experience of this rare collection of Japanese art will enable our region to best understand the multiplying beauty of the aesthetic and how the integration of it into our culture enriches our depth as a people.
"As exemplified by the masterpieces on display, the visual arts play an extraordinary role in Japanese culture,” says FMG curator Joseph Becherer. “From Buddhist statuary to painted scrolls, ceramics to kimono, this exhibition will be a delight to all audiences.”
There will also be a gallery walk on Friday, February 6, 12 p.m.
Admission: Free with a paid admission, Members always are free.
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