Beauty was not a separate value; sometimes it was conjoined with
religious values and sometimes with usefulness. Art was not an end in
itself but a bridge or a talisman. A bridge -- the work changes the
reality that we see for another: the sun is a jaguar, the moon the head
of a goddess. The work of art is a medium, an agency for the
transmission of forces and powers that are sacred, that are other. The
function of art is to open for us the doors that lead to the other side
of reality.
--Octavio Paz, "The Art of Mexico: Material and Meaning,"
from Essays on Mexican Art (1987)
Featuring approximately 170 extraordinary objects
of pre-Columbian origin, Ritual Beauty: Art of the Ancient
Americas includes ancient vessels, effigy jars, textiles and
adornments, clay figures, stone sculptures, and implements fashioned
from copper, silver and gold -- all offering a window on the aesthetic
worlds of Mesoamerica and the Andean region prior to European contact.
Curated by Joanne Stuhr, this exhibition aims to provide a better
understanding of the aesthetic, social, political, and religious life of
the pre-Columbian world in which these exceptional objects were created,
as well as an occasion to study, appreciate, and enjoy the artistic
achievements of these rich cultures through their material past.
Ritual Beauty: Art of the Ancient Americas was made possible
through
the
generous support of I. Michael and Beth Kasser. The exhibition is
accompanied by a full-color catalog that documents and contributes new
scholarship on the objects in the I. Michael Kasser Collection from
eminent experts in the field: Dr. Peter Furst, Margaret Young
Sánchez,
and Marta Turok.
Educational Programs:
Thursday, December 4th, 4pm
Be one of the first to see Ritual Beauty: Art of the Ancient
Americas!
Prior to the opening reception, join exhibit curator Joanne Stuhr as she
leads the public on a gallery walk through the exhibit. Ms. Stuhr will
provide a brief overview of life in the Americas before contact with
Europeans and discuss aesthetic and cultural significance of selected
pieces in the exhibition.
Saturday, December 6th, 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Join us for an afternoon of music and adventure exploring the Art of the
Ancient Americas! Grab a gallery guide and investigate Ritual
Beauty:
Art of the Ancient Americas with your family and friends to
discover the
purpose and meaning of the artifacts in the exhibit. In the 1 o'clock
hour listen to Mayan and Aztec creation stories with educator and
storyteller Angela Bennett-Castle. Play with clay to create a mythical
character or design a cylinder vessel. At 2pm enjoy traditional Andean
music performed by Bwiya-Toli.
Friday, January 30th, 2009 2:30 - 4:00pm
Panel Discussion: Deciphering Ritual, Cultural and Beautiful
Artifacts
from the I. Michael Kasser Collection
Join UAMA for a lively interpretation of objects from the I. Michael
Kasser Collection with Pre-Columbian scholars, Dr.
Keith McElroy, Marta Turok and Margaret Young-Sánchez. Each
scholar will
discuss a collection favorite sharing anecdotes about the objects
provenance, historical context, and the artistic virtue of their
selection. The conversation will be moderated by exhibit curator Joanne
Stuhr.
