Sometimes I don't get to visit the Nelson-Atkins very often. I know that sounds strange since I work here but my office is located offsite and sometimes I don't have time to get away from my desk. I was lucky enough today to help with a project in the galleries. As I moved from place to place in the Bloch Building, I was greeted by all the amazing views that have become so familiar to me: the soaring ceilings, the continuous surprises as you move through the galleries and the spectacular views of the Kansas City Sculpture Park and Nelson-Atkins Building.
Then we moved into the Nelson-Atkins Building and climbed the stairs to the second floor where the Chinese collection is on display. Some people may feel restricted because the lighting is artificial and the floor plan is rigid but as soon as I entered the Chinese Temple gallery, I felt the rush of joy and excitement of being in the same room with exquisite works of art dating back thousands of years. The highlight for me is the Seated Gaunyin Bodhisattva . The Guanyin is magnificent on its own but the setting is truly breathtaking.
The large gallery is divided about two-thirds of the way by beautiful wooden gate panels from a temple dating to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Behind the gates you can see the Guanyin sitting serenely against the back wall; just behind it is a wall painting depicting the Paradise of Tejaprabha Buddha. There are additional statues of Gaunyins and bodhisattvas along the left and right-hand walls. There is a peaceful, meditative quality to the space.
I headed back to my office feeling renewed and remembering why I love the Museum so much.
Comments (1)
jodi, thank you for your lovely little essay about my favorite work of art. i now live on the left coast of the USA, but i was born and raised in kansas... this elegant statue in her beautiful temple filled a deep need when i was a child and teen. i loved to sit quietly on the bench in that room for extended periods of time. i wrote a book recently called "Knowledge: The essence of world scriptures". you just never know how profoundly a work of art will touch a young heart.
Posted by Patricia Robinett | December 11, 2009 3:40 AM
Posted on December 11, 2009 03:40