The trip to the city was extremely rough; the subway and ferry were a mess as always. However, when I finally arrived, I had a great time. I spent the day with friends, and we enjoyed a visit to the museum, followed by dinner and shopping. The museum itself was beautiful and featured art from all over Asia. Additionally, the food my friends and I had was amazing.

Asian art is quite different from European art. In my opinion, the main difference between Eastern and Western art is the way scenes are depicted. In Asian art, sculptures and pottery are more prevalent, while Europeans traditionally painted on canvases or stained glass murals. Although I generally prefer European styles, visiting the museum opened my eyes to the beauty of Asian art. The statues of the Gods were intricately detailed and vibrant, and the paintings, when present, were often more rooted in reality than their European counterparts. This contrast highlights the unique beauty of life as seen through different artistic lenses, compared to European art, which often portrays an idealized vision of life.

When walking around the Rubin, three pieces of art struck me much more than any other:

Art piece #1

Shakyamuni Buddha

This painting of Buddha bears a striking resemblance to how Europeans might depict God. In Buddhism, Buddha is a teacher who guides people toward achieving nirvana, and this painting reflects that perfectly. As the central figure of the religion, Buddha is depicted in the middle, surrounded by the events of everyday life. Despite the chaos around him, he remains calm, embodying the inner peace he has attained.

 

Art Piece #2

This piece of art reminds me of our conversation last week about women in art. Unlike traditional representations where women are often portrayed as objects of the viewer’s gaze, this sculpture presents a woman who exudes power. In this work, it is not up to the viewer to interpret her role; rather, the artwork itself conveys her identity and strength.

Art piece #3

Bhavacakra Wheel of Life and Death

This picture represents the Buddhist view of the cycle of life. The intricate coloring and detailed drawing illustrate how Buddhists perceive death, life, and rebirth. This image, along with the others, is very pleasant to look at. The style differs significantly from traditional European painting, but it effectively conveys the Eastern perspective on life. Each piece reveals beliefs about death and how people should live their lives.