Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

06 April 2010

One more word

Today I hosted the delegation for a tour of Central Library. High-lights included:
  • Central's eco roof
  • Rare book room
  • Artistic details: leaf ceiling sculpture, children's tree, fresh flowers
  • Me setting off the security gates to demonstrate RFID
Then we walked through downtown Portland for sight-seeing, shopping, and dinner at Todai. I've learned  one more Mandarin word -- bringing my grand total to 3 -- "lei". Tired. It was a good day!

Horner Exchange - Portland

    16 February 2010

    Capturing China, 1913-1929

    My local library (and employer) Multnomah County Library is hosting the exhibit Capturing China, 1913-1929: Photographs, Films, and Letters of American Diplomat John Van Antwerp MacMurray from February 19 to April 2.

    The exhibit includes photographs from the chaotic time period following the fall of the Qing Dynasty. At the opening reception MacMurray's daughter will give a short talk about living in China with her father.

    Opening reception: February 23
    5:30 - 7:00 pm
    Central Library's Collins Gallery

    11 January 2010

    Now... or not

    Sunday found myself and JW combining our stupendous (or perhaps some other word that starts with "stup") brain power to figure out how to actually get inside the China Design Now exhibit at the Portland Art Museum.

    Two entrances and four lines later, we climbed a staircase through a blindingly (cliche alert) red light towards the red lanterns marking the entrance along the big red wall.

    I had been super excited about this "Now" exhibit of contemporary design since many of the materials I've found so far in my research are dated from 2007/08. Not quite good enough, imo, to examine a society that's changing so rapidly (ask me about the difference between Bulgaria 2000 and Bulgaria 2002 some time).

    Unfortunately I must admit to being disappointed. Two medium-sized rooms of exhibits. Two. One is devoted to art & design from Shenzhen, which was a little interesting. The other room was divided between Shanghai and Beijing, with the Beijing exhibits largely turned over to information about the Olympics.

    Considering the expense, logistical hurdles, and paucity of the exhibits, I say save your time and your $16 and look at this art and design on the web.