Through a great diversity of objects donated by Americans to the Burma Art Collection, this exhibition examines the critical importance of preserving the past for understanding the present and for transmitting knowledge to future generations. The objects illuminate the life of 20th century Americans in Burma as they moved abroad at the request of a new Burmese government after independence from the British in 1948 and lived there with roles as advisors, educators, scholars, diplomats, missionaries, or travelers.
From a sacred altar of Buddha images and manuscripts to musical instruments, textiles, silver, bronze, ivory, and lacquerware, the artworks on view tell individual American stories and highlight their love for Burmese arts and crafts. The exhibition asks how these objects may reveal a “true” local tradition or is a response by adapting to western taste and the growing souvenir market.
From a sacred altar of Buddha images and manuscripts to musical instruments, textiles, silver, bronze, ivory, and lacquerware, the artworks on view tell individual American stories and highlight their love for Burmese arts and crafts. The exhibition asks how these objects may reveal a “true” local tradition or is a response by adapting to western taste and the growing souvenir market.
Special Events
Wednesday, March 29
Public Opening Reception
Join us in the galleries for an opening reception of "Local Visions II" and "Americans in Burma: The Art of Collecting." Refreshments will be provided. Informal gallery talks with the curators of both shows at 6 p.m.
5 - 7 p.m. CT; NIU Art Museum Galleries
Public Opening Reception
Join us in the galleries for an opening reception of "Local Visions II" and "Americans in Burma: The Art of Collecting." Refreshments will be provided. Informal gallery talks with the curators of both shows at 6 p.m.
5 - 7 p.m. CT; NIU Art Museum Galleries
Friday, April 14
Americans in Burma: Collecting and Collectors
Symposium
Join us for a full day of special talks by collectors, scholars, and students from the United States who have a deep connection to Burma. Listen to their fascinating stories of living, working, and studying in Burma and how they developed their collections or studied Burmese material culture.
Refreshments will be served. Open to the public from 9 am - 5 pm
NIU Founders Memorial Library. Room 71N in the Innovation Lab (Lower Level, next to Einsten Bagels)
Contact: burmastudies@niu.edu
Americans in Burma: Collecting and Collectors
Symposium
Join us for a full day of special talks by collectors, scholars, and students from the United States who have a deep connection to Burma. Listen to their fascinating stories of living, working, and studying in Burma and how they developed their collections or studied Burmese material culture.
Refreshments will be served. Open to the public from 9 am - 5 pm
NIU Founders Memorial Library. Room 71N in the Innovation Lab (Lower Level, next to Einsten Bagels)
Contact: burmastudies@niu.edu
