THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
By Charles Desmaris
 |
| Carved figure of a “Crucified Christ” (ca. 1650-1750) by an unknown artist. |
SAN FRANCISCO---Art museums in Europe and America reflect the tastes and interests, for the most part, of private collectors. What did not engage the collector, therefore, did not easily enter the museum. The
Asian Art Museum acknowledges its own challenge with regard to the art of Southeast Asia — particularly the Philippines. There’s also the problem of stereotype expectations: Objects from a culture with strong Christian traditions and Spanish colonial influence just feel out of place to scholars looking for Buddhist or Hindu sources. A small exhibition on view through March 11, “Philippine Art: Collecting Art, Collecting Memories,” presents 25 acquisitions, nearly all made in the past 10 years. [
More]
Asian Art Museum: “Philippine Art: Collecting Art, Collecting Memories,” (Through March 11, 2018); 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA; 415.581.3500; asianart.org
 |
| Ceremonial deity (bulul), approx. 1930. Philippines; Luzon, Ifugao people. Wood and shell. Asian Art Museum, Filipino Fund for Acquisitions and museum purchase, 2013.2. Photograph © Asian Art Museum. |
