Dancing Shadows, Epic Tales: Wayang Kulit of Indonesia»
Wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance of Indonesia is among the oldest and greatest story telling traditions in the world and is said to lie at the heart of Indonesian culture. Wayang kulit are flat, leather puppets elaborately decorated and perforated, casting intricate and dramatic shadows when performed. Featuring the extraordinary collection of the Museum of International Folk Art, performance video projected on a double-sided screen to highlight both the shadows and the action of the dhalang (puppeteer), and exciting interactive and hands-on components, this exhibition introduces wayang kulit of Central Java. Various aspects of this performance art are explored, including gamelan music, the artistic techniques involved in making shadow puppets, the skills of the dhalang (puppeteer), regional variations, and the cultural context of wayang kulit. Visit Dancing Shadows exhibition»

Take an excursion through eight international Carnival celebrations. The ¡CARNAVAL! exhibition and catalogue are the result of extensive research and field work by a team of consultants led by the exhibition Curator, Barbara Mauldin. The exhibition features costumes reflecting a range of masquerade and performance themes and represent the history and evolution of traditions in each of the eight sites. The exhibition was in Santa Fe from November 19, 2004 through August 28, 2005, and then traveled the U.S. See the on-line exhibition»


Cerámica y Cultura:
The Story of Spanish and Mexican Mayólica
The Spanish term mayólica refers to tin-enameled earthenware, a technique developed in the eastern Mediterranean and brought to Spain by Islamic artists in the 10th century. From Spain, the technique spread first to the rest of Europe and then to the Americas. The exhibition explores the rich and complex history and culture of Spain and Mexico through this important and enduring art form. Changes in form and style reflect the complex relationships that took placeover several centuries between such diverse cultures and religions as Christians and Muslims; Spanish, Flemish and Italians; Mexicans, Asians and Native Americans. On exhibition at the Museum of International Folk Art November 17, 2002 to September 7, 2003.
Visit Mayolica.org »


One Hundred Aspects of the Moon:
Japanese Wood Block Prints by Yoshitoshi.
A gift from the collection of the late Else & Joseph Chapman, the prints represent the artist's celebration of Japan's history and legend in the face of rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration. Published between 1885 and 1892, this series of one hundred individual woodblock prints depicts figures from Japanese and Chinese legend, history, literature and folklore caught at moments in time and held suspended by a poetic dialogue with the moon. Yoshitoshi's subtle and innovative approach to illustration successfully evokes a range of human emotion and psychological dimension under the knowing and moody watch of the perpetual moon. On display at the Museum of International Folk Art July through October 2002. See One Hundred Aspects of the Moon »

Sin Nombre: Hispana & Hispano Artists of the New Deal Era»
Hundreds of Hispanic artists in New Mexico created works of art for various New Deal Programs, but until the exhibition Sin Nombre opened at MOIFA in 1999, most have remained nameless, "Sin Nombre". Since the exhibition opened June 6, 1999 and closed September 5, 2000, information from the artists and their family and friends continues through the publication of the exhibition catalog and the bilingual web site wpasinnombre.org».

At Home Away from Home: Tibetan Culture in Exile» How Tibetan culture continues intact despite 39 years of dispersion is the subject of this exhibit based on intensive study by Frank J. Korom, Ph.D., former Curator of Asian & Middle Eastern Collections, Museum of International Folk Art. The exhibition opened March 8, 1998 and closed March 14, 1999. Enter At Home Away from Home: Tibetan Culture in Exile ».

Paño Art From The "Inside Out"
Whether intensely spiritual or brazenly secular, paño art draws on the deepest emotions of prisoners whose artistic expression is limited only by the materials at hand. This exhibition opened July 21, 1996 and closed January 7, 1997. Enter Paño Art From The "Inside Out"


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