Clockwise from Top Left: Ikebana Demonstration; Portrait of the Third Taglund Abbot, Sangye Yarjon (detail), Central Tibet, ca. 1262–1263, opaque watercolor with gold on cloth, Tangka: 12 3/4 x 10 in., lent by The Kronos Collections, Open Studio – Calligraphy
Explore the fascinating exhibitions at The Met this month with an array of engaging public events. Participate in in-person and online lectures, hands-on art-making activities, and an in-depth study session led by renowned scholars and experts. Discover topics such as the intricate symbolism of Tibetan Buddhist mandalas, the artistry of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, and the techniques behind creating stunning Japanese Ikebana flower arrangements.
The Rubin Museum Distinguished Lecture in Himalayan Art—Outer and Inner: Mahasiddhas Empowered by Mandalas Embodied
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 6-7pm
Bonnie J. Sacerdote Lecture Hall, Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education
Free; In-person and Livestream
Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet, join scholar Robert Linrothe to explore the connection between “outer” and “inner” mandalas. In the Himalayas, these “power objects” are known to dispense blessings and are the focus of rituals, offerings, and advanced spiritual training. Take a deep dive into the Mandalas exhibition and learn about Tibetan Buddhist siddhas, mahasiddhas, and mandalas from one of the world’s leading scholars.
While advance registration is now closed, you can watch the livestream on The Met’s YouTube page here.
To learn more, click here.
Open Studio – Calligraphy
Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1-4pm
Various Galleries, Florence and Herbert Irving Asian Wing
Free with Museum admission
Presented in conjunction with the exhibitions Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: Selections from the Collection and The Three Perfections: Japanese Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting from the Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, explore the materials and process of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy through an artist demonstration, a performance, and art making listed below:
Gallery 217, The Astor Court
Learn more about the art of writing through a performance and calligraphy demonstration by artist Vincent Chong (performing as Crystal Monkey) featuring musical accompaniment by Ariel Loh and Clae Lu. (Note: The artist will process to The Astor Court from the Great Hall starting at 12:45 pm).
Gallery 209, The Astor Forecourt
Explore techniques of ink brush painting and use calligraphic lines to create your own work of art.
For visitors of all ages; space is limited; first come, first served.
To learn more, click here.
Sunday at The Met—Calligraphy Across the Collection
Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 2-3:30pm
The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium
Free with Museum admission
Presented in conjunction with the exhibitions Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: Selections from the Collection, The Great Hall Commission: Tong Yang-Tze, Dialogue, and The Three Perfections: Japanese Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting from the Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, join Museum experts for presentations about works of art that feature calligraphy throughout The Met collection, including Chinese, Islamic, Japanese, and Modern and Contemporary art. Learn how artists across different times and cultures have explored calligraphy’s capacity for visual, emotional, and social impact beyond linguistic barriers.
Free with Museum admission, though advance registration is recommended. Note: Space is limited; first come, first served. Priority will be given to those who register.
To learn more and register, click here.
Art History Study Group—Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet
Monday, December 16, 2024 from 4-5:30pm
Online
Fee: $40
Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet, expand your knowledge of art history through virtual introductions to core themes and close examination of The Met’s objects with Museum experts. Join Kurt Behrendt, curator of the exhibit, to explore the imagery of Himalayan Buddhist devotional art dating primarily between the 12th and 15th centuries. Learn about Himalayan Buddhist worship through early masterworks juxtaposed with a newly commissioned contemporary installation by Tibetan artist Tenzing Rigdol.
Space is limited; advance registration is required. Registration closes Friday, December 13, 2024, or when registration is full.
To learn more and register, click here.
Ikebana Demonstration
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 11:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-2:30pm
Gallery 209, The Astor Forecourt
Free with Museum admission
Learn how to prepare a Japanese Ikebana flower arrangement in the style of the Ohara School from instructor Asae Takahashi. Ikebana, or the art of flower arrangement, is a tradition that has been practiced in Japan for centuries. Blending the concept of natural balance and minimalism, the evolving art form pays respect to both traditional and contemporary aesthetics. In this program, a demonstrator prepares flower arrangements in one of the many schools of style that exist within this artistic tradition. They share their vision for each piece, the creative process, and how these decisions relate to the philosophy of Ikebana tradition, which is rooted in balance, harmony, and the beauty of impermanence.
Free with Museum admission, though advance registration is recommended. Note: Space is limited; first come, first served.
To learn more and register, click here.