The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, historically an Asian art museum, will this season present two exhibits with a
contemporary take on Eastern artwork.
From Oct. 21 to Jan. 7, students can enjoy “A Way with Words: The Calligraphic Art of Jung Do-jun.” The exhibit will include a variety of mediums, such as paintings, and fans upon which Do-jun’s calligraphy appears.
The University is the first American museum to showcase the work of this modern Korean artist, and students interested in the work of Do-jun can meet the artist at the exhibit’s opening reception on Friday, Oct. 20, from 7-9 p.m. at the Schnitzer Museum.
The following day, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m., Do-jun will give a demonstration of how he creates an artistic piece. Debbie Williamson-Smith, Public Relations and Marketing and Membership Coordinator for the museum, explained, “I’ve heard that he essentially takes whatever medium he’s going to use, and lets people walk around the piece while he creates it.”
Continuing with the theme of Asian artwork, the exhibit, “To See Big Within Small: Micro-Carvings by Chen Zhongsen” will run from Sept. 20 to Jan. 28. Appearing in the museum’s focus gallery, a smaller venue, this collection of art will feature carvings of words and poetry upon unusual mediums, such as a grain of rice.
“He did a poem on his wife’s gray hair, about aging,” said Williamson-Smith. The museum coordinator says that an interest in the written word ties together the artwork of Do-jun and Zhongsen. “They’re are both modern artists, and they both deal with poetry.”
Departing from the theme of contemporary Asian artwork, from Sept. 29 to Feb. 4 museum visitors will have the chance to learn more about authentic art versus replica. “Faux or For Real: The Art of Researching Art”, an exhibit organized by the Schnitzer Museum itself, will present original artwork and faux replicas, so that viewers can see for themselves how professionals determine authenticity.
“I don’t have an art background, but you can definitely see the differences,” said Williamson-Smith. “When you read the labels, you’ll be able to understand the differences.” Along with this showcase of artistic works will be a number of lectures on how to better understand the archiving of art.
The “Faux or For Real” exhibit will include mediums such as paintings and a sitting Thai Buddha. Instead of putting the show in one specific venue, individual pieces will instead be incorporated into each of the museum’s galleries.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum is open Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for University students, children under 13 and museum members; $5 for adults; and $3 for non-University students and seniors. On Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 6-8 p.m., the museum will host a Welcome Back Student Event in conjunction with the EMU Cultural Forum, to include music and mingling for new and returning University students.