Writing with Thread: Traditional Textiles of Southwest Chinese Minorities

In the Neutrogena Wing through August 16, 2009.

Writing with Thread features over 500 objects from the most inclusive collection of Southwest Chinese ethnic minority costumes in the world. Writing with Thread showcases the finest and rarest costumes from 15 ethnic groups and nearly 100 subgroups, exploring the meanings associated with the production and use of indigenous clothing. In societies without written languages, traditions and customs are orally passed form generation to generation. The textile arts, largely practiced by women, provide tangible evidence of a group's history, myths, and legends. The signs and patterns woven or embroidered in their clothing and the ceremonial and ritual use of textiles are often replicated in the accompanying silver ornaments made by men. Photo, Right: Miao Woman’s Ensemble, Gejia style. From the exhibition Writing with Thread: Traditional Textiles of Southwest Chinese Minorities. Photo by Wang Lin-Sheng, courtesy of the Evergrand Museum, Taoyuan, Taiwan. This exhibition was curated by Angela Sheng, Assistant Professor of Chinese Art History at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from the collection of the Evergrand Museum, Taoyuan, Taiwan. The exhibition closes in Santa Fe on August 16, 2009.

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Dancing Shadows, Epic Tales:
Wayang Kulit of Indonesia»
in the Bartlett Wing through March 14, 2010


Wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance of Indonesia is among the oldest and greatest story telling traditions in the world and lies close to the heart of Javanese culture. Wayang kulit are flat, leather puppets elaborately decorated and perforated, casting intricate and dramatic shadows when performed. This is a highly refined art form that commemorates important life cycle ceremonies and a variety of social events. Performances are usually based on classical literature such as the Indian epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana with contemporary issues incorporated into particular scenes. Performances are always accompanied by a gamelan orchestra and traditionally begin in the evening and last until dawn.

Featuring the Museum of International Folk Art's collection, this exhibition introduces the distinct form and performance of wayang kulit from Central Java. Various aspects of this performance art are also explored, including gamelan music, the artistic techniques involved in making shadow puppets, the performance of the dhalang (puppeteer), regional variations, and the cultural context of wayang kulit. Engaging hands-on activities abound, such as puppet-making, musical instruments, computer interactives, and more.
By Museum Admission, New Mexico residents with I.D. free on Sundays, youth 16 & under and foundation members» always free!

Nuevo México: El Corazon de La Cultura
in Lloyd's Treasure Chest through December 31, 2009
Nuevo México: El Corazón de la Cultura, or New Mexico: The Heart of Culture, showcases the Hispano/Latino arts of New Mexico from the early colonial period to present. This exhibition presents a unique opportunity to view these works of art up close and personal in Lloyd's Treasure Chest while the Hispanic Heritage Wing» undergoes renovations. Lloyd's Treasure Chest offers visitors interactive displays about collections and how museums care for collections. All genres from metal smithing, weaving, and new media to straw appliqué, tin work, art made from recycled materials, and items traded and artifacts that would have come on the Manila galleons are also included. El Corazón de la Cultura promises to have something for everyone of all ages. (Photo:Sacred Heart, woodcarving by Nicholas Herrera, 1990's. Gift from Susan M. Hall to Museum of International Folk Art, MNM, DCA) . Lloyd's Treasure Chest» provides the opportunity for closer inspection than works on display in the upstairs galleries, providing a context for further appreciation and understanding of folk heritage, traditions, and aesthetics. Here, visitors have the opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes museum activities and gain insight into aspects of preservation and conservation relating to the diverse works, and see videos about folk artists.

Ongoing Exhibitions:

Multiple Visions: A Common Bond
Explore the Girard Foundation Collection this unique exhibition designed by the collector and donor, Alexander Girard». Since the opening in 1982, more than a million visitors have been delighted by the richly varied displays of toys, traditional arts, village scenes, textiles, and popular arts. Over 100 countries are represented in Girard's innovative use of the color and gallery space with objects at eye level for visitors 2 to 102, even overhead. Lesson Plans»


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