Exhibition Preview for "YEAR OF THE DRAGON, Early China to LEGO"

" Year of the Dragon " Exhibition Preview on the Lunar New Year's Eve 2024

Description:

The dragon has captivated the Asian continent for thousands of years. Once revered as the bearer of rain, the dragon has been held in high esteem by commoners and nobility alike.  In China, the dragon was an imperial image that was reserved for the emperor. A symbol of strength and power, the emperor was at one time referred to as “The Dragon.” Similarly, the dragon was the emblem of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. While it has remained a symbol of power, its significance has evolved over time.

This exhibition explores the representation of the dragon over the span of a millenia and three Asian countries. It demonstrates how the form and function of dragon imagery has drastically evolved over the centuries. An imperial dragon robe is juxtaposed with a 20th century dragon belt buckle, a Qing Dynasty imperial throne cover with a LEGO dragon.

Although the dragon is no longer revered as a bringer of rain or associated with imperial authority, the image of the dragon still evokes the same sense of power and mysticism that established it as a multi-cultural wonder thousands of years ago.

Descriptions of the performance

Heritage Museum of Asian Art is collaborating with Chicago dancer and multidisciplinary artist Irene Hsiao to create a new interactive installation and performance series called If the Sky Could Dream. Coinciding with the Lunar Year of the Dragon, the museum will showcase dragon artworks from throughout Asia, as well as include an original, contemporary vision of the dragon from an Asian American perspective by Hsiao.

IF THE SKY COULD DREAM focuses on the Chinese dragon as a powerful being that fosters harmony. The dragon is emblematic of China and a mythological being for many Asian and Western cultures. The dragon thus evokes a sense of mysticism, power, and intrigue in many communities. Because the Chinese dragon is a water deity, the installation inside the museum will incorporate images and projections of water, weather, and local bodies of water, including the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

An Introduction of Irene Hsiao

Irene Hsiao is a dancer, writer, and multidisciplinary artist. She creates performances in conversation with visual art in museums, galleries, and public spaces, a practice that includes site-specific interaction with visual artworks and experimental engagement with artists, institutions, and the public. Her work includes durational improvisation, interactive installations, film, and virtual performance.

Accessibility:

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art's Entrance is on West 35th Street. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. Accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Free parking space is available next to the museum via West 35th Street.