| Multimedia, multinational art exhibit promotes peace (11/07) | | Print | |
| Written by Amy Seaman | |
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An art teacher’s mixed-media sculpture is being featured in a traveling art show.
The collection includes works from over 80 artists from 33 countries, including Advanced Placement Studio Art and ceramics teacher Kirsten Janssen’s piece, “Measuring around the Earth with a Single Golden Thread.” Inspired by the Dalai Lama, the exhibit, “The Missing Peace,” will be making its fifth stop in San Francisco from Dec. 1 to March 16 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Janssen’s contribution was inspired by a trip to Japan, where she first saw Tibetan prayer wheels, symbols of the Golden Thread, the Buddhist idea that the world is wrapped around a single strand of golden thread. Reflecting this aspect of Buddhist theory, every part of Janssen’s sculpture, which is constructed with wood, cones of golden thread and paint rollers, is tied directly to the others. “In my piece, one cone of thread weaves through the other 13,” Janssen said. “You touch a thread and the rest of the spools move with that single touch. It’s all about connectedness.” Janssen said that her project evolved from one using mechanical gears to one with more organic, everyday materials. “Even though I visualized (my project) right away, it took me about a year and a half to complete it,” she explained. “I really over-visualized it at first.” The show has traveled to various galleries and college art museums since its beginning four years ago. It is currently in Georgia at the Emory Arts Gallery, which is exhibiting 20 of the 90 pieces. The International Art Committee, the group that selected the show’s pieces, asked each participating artist to create a piece that portrayed the Dalai Lama and his ideals, according to Janssen. “The curator asked us to make a piece specifically for the show, following this theme,” she said. The exhibit promotes peace and harmony, according to executive director and co-founder Darlene Markovich. “This exhibition is a call to action to each person it touches,” Markovich said. “It is inspired by the 14th Dalai Lama, and His Holiness’ messages are communicated through powerful art. Artists were asked to consider the full life of the Dalai Lama and what it stands for to them and others.” Markovich said the committee chose Janssen because of her ability to work with various media and her use of recurring artistic themes. “I saw a single golden thread running through my mind and asked Randy Rosenberg (the curator) if she knew an artist who might conceive a work with golden thread,” Markovich said, explaining that this conversation led her to Janssen. The show brings together artists from many countries. American artist Chuck Close exhibits a trademark photorealistic, self-portrait made of smaller, visible pixels, while Tibetan artist Tenzing Rigdol works with the major symbols and motifs of his home, Kathmandu. Music and video complement the visual art pieces. Japanese composer and Oscar-winner Ryuichi Sakamoto created a musical composition just for the gallery, and internationally acclaimed New York videographer Bill Viola filmed a short video segment that will be played throughout the exhibit. The tour is not only about religion, according to Markovich. “The majority of the works are not related to Buddhism,” she said. “The Missing Peace is not a Buddhist show. It is universal and multicultural.” The Missing Peace has attracted over 100,000 people during its four years of touring, including many students and educators. Markovich encourages people of all ages to see the show. “I believe art informs, educates and inspires,” she said. “Greater peace can be achieved person by person.” |
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to listen.
