03 October 2007

Museums - Round 2

I had to try again. I had only been to one museum and, despite it’s rather meager showing, I figured that a sample size of 1 wasn’t enough to make a final judgment, so I had to find another one.
The Sichuan University Museum.
Located on the east side of town behind the University. A section of the city I have not spent too much time exploring. The taxi driver had to stop and ask directions (which caused much laughter by the people watching him talk to a street vendor).
Anyway, we arrived and for 10 RMB ($1.30), I was in.
A much improved building with 4 floors, a central atrium and several exhibit rooms for permanent displays and show case areas outside of the exhibit halls for the traveling displays. The floors were clean, the building organized with good lighting, signage, and flow.
Still not the size and expanse of the High Museum, but an improvement.
The permanent displays were primarily of ancient history of the Chinese culture, art, carvings, clothes, pottery, etc.
The temporary display consisted of some modern art by one artist. Difficult to describe. I guess some sort of “man in the cosmos” kind of thing, but he did have several pieces I liked.
Overall, I still think the country is struggling to understand how to “do art”, but at least the University has a solid approach.
It had a good beat. I gave it an 88.
There’s hope.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The last picture is nice. Be careful of your opines on Chinese art, the "party" may come after you for insubordination!