Weaving Splendor: Treasures of Asian
Textiles from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
October 7–December 31, 2022
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 26,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Frist Art Museum presents
Weaving Splendor: Treasures of Asian Textiles from The
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, an exhibition of Chinese, Indian,
Japanese, Persian, and Turkish textiles drawn from one of the most
significant collections of Asian art in the United States. Organized by The
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas
City, the exhibition will be on view in the Frist's
Ingram Gallery from October 7 through December 31, 2022.
Made with precious materials, innovative techniques, and
stunning artistry, Asian textiles have been integral to global
trade for centuries. Whether woven from cotton, linen, silk, or
wool, each textile in Weaving Splendor tells a complex and
fascinating story that leads guests on a journey along trade routes
across continents, and through time, from the 15th century to
today.
"This exhibition provides a rare opportunity for our audiences,
since these extraordinary treasures are not often displayed due to
their fragile and light-sensitive nature," says Frist Art Museum
senior curator Trinita Kennedy. "Not
only will our guests gain a deeper understanding of the diverse
historical textiles on view, but they will also learn about how
Asian traditions are being practiced and kept alive today,
including by artists in our own community through in-gallery
demonstrations."
With more than 65 objects organized thematically into five
sections, Weaving Splendor explores the various purposes for
which Asian textiles have been created, including for use as
garments, furnishings, gifts, and trade goods. Formal court robes
made in imperial China and
Japan signified rank and status
within the governmental hierarchy, while striking costumes from
Japanese theater traditions and Chinese operas brought characters
from illusionary worlds to life on stage. Textured velvets and
exquisite furniture covers defined and transformed interior spaces.
In a recreation of a royal 16th-century Persian tent, exhibition
guests can be enveloped by magnificent silk velvet ornamented with
flowers and scenes of a royal hunt.
A section devoted to the major role Asian textiles played in
diplomatic exchange and global trade features Indian pashmina
shawls and chintzes and Persian carpets, including one commissioned
as gift by a shah to a pope around 1600. "Carpets woven in the
Islamic world were highly prized in Renaissance Europe. This
spectacular example remains in excellent condition, which suggests
that it might have been displayed on a wall or table rather than
walked upon," explains Kennedy.
The exhibition concludes with modern and contemporary textiles
from China, Japan, India,
Pakistan, and Turkey. In some areas, traditions, have been
revived by nongovernmental agencies and dedicated patrons and
artists, while art forms such as carpet weaving have continued in
other regions without interruption. In the 21st century,
Asia has regained its position as
both a leading textile producer and as a place where local
traditions of domestic and luxury textile making continue to
thrive.
In addition to experiential learning activities in the Martin
ArtQuest® Gallery, Weaving Splendor is complemented by an
education gallery with illustrated reference books, a place for
guests to reflect and respond, and an area where contemporary fiber
artists will talk about and show their processes. A schedule of
live demonstrations will be updated at FristArtMuseum.org and will
also be available on a touch screen in the gallery.
Exhibition Credit
Organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri
Supporter Acknowledgment
Platinum Sponsor: HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health
Hospitality Sponsor: Union Station Hotel
Spanish Translation Sponsor: Center for Latin American,
Caribbean, and Latinx Studies at
Vanderbilt University
Funded in part by Hays Foundation
Supported in part by Judy and Joe
Barker
The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by The Frist
Foundation, Metro Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the
National Endowment for the Arts.
Connect with us @FristArtMuseum #TheFrist
#FristWeavingSplendor
About the Frist Art
Museum
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Frist Art
Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art exhibition center dedicated to
presenting and originating high-quality exhibitions with related
educational programs and community outreach activities. Located at
919 Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tenn., the Frist Art Museum
offers the finest visual art from local, regional, national, and
international sources in exhibitions that inspire people through
art to look at their world in new ways. Information on
accessibility can be found at FristArtMuseum.org/accessibility.
Gallery admission is free for visitors ages 18 and younger and for
members, and $15 for adults. For current hours and additional
information, visit FristArtMuseum.org or call 615.244.3340.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frist-art-museum-presents-extraordinary-and-rarely-seen-textiles-from-renowned-collection-of-asian-art-301632351.html
SOURCE Frist Art Museum