Asian art of the past and present has a proud place in the Art Gallery of NSW collection. In a major refresh of our Asian galleries, this exhibition brings old and new together in a series of dynamic conversations.
Leading off those conversations are 24 renowned contemporary artists, among them Anish Kapoor, Ai Weiwei, Suda Yoshihiro, Shahzia Sikander and Ah Xian. Far from seeing the art of the past as something remote or untouchable, these artists treat it as a deep resource and constant spur to the imagination. Conversations through the Asian collections is a unique chance to see their contemporary works beside the historical art that informs and inspires them. It is also a chance to look afresh – through artists’ eyes – at the riches of the historical collection, from ancient Chinese jade carvings and Indian miniatures to elegant Japanese screens.
Make your way through both floors of the exhibition and you’ll find conversations of many kinds. Some are poetic and contemplative. Some are playful and provocative. And some involve a contemporary artwork that may at first be hard to spot. But all attest to one thing above all – a live connection between the past and the present.
Fresh conversations will be added to the exhibition throughout its run.
