Can We Talk 2

Terra Cotta Soldiers

         Just got back from the museum, over an hour away. I don't much about Chinese history, so it really was a foreign subject to me. I learned that these famous soldiers were commissioned by the first great emperor of China just as he was taking the reign. He was preparing to make great changes, but was also concerned about his immortality. From the very beginning, he planned the massive mausoleum complex and the army that would see him into the afterlife.

         Although he did many things to unite and fortify China, he is best known for joining all the lengths of the Great Wall and his army for his burial. The name is too hard to spell. I think I can say it okay. The exhibit is by partnership of several American museums and the Chinese. Our state museum is free, but to enter this exhibit, you have to pay.

         Most of the crowd (thousands? on a Saturday?) soon realized that we know little of ancient history, much less the Chinese states or dynasties. The many artifacts pointed to minute detail on everyday objects. A wine bottle would have script and intricate illustrations on it. The same for a bell or a food bowl. Even the water pipe had small details carved into it. The roof tiles had pictures on each one. As for the soldiers, they made a complete set: an archer, a charioteer, an armored general, a horse groomer, and so forth. Even horses were included. We saw a sampling. The original set had over 2000 full size figures.

         While I was there, I made a whirlwind tour through some of the American art collection and some of the modern art group. A few exhibits were closed for restructuring. I didn't have time to do the Faberge or Russian collection, or others. I was in a group and not driving. Outdoors, I took photos of some large sculptures and some modern works while waiting for our van. We had lunch in a deli before heading back to our town.

         While there, I took a lot of photos on my cell phone. I couldn't operate my camera without a flash, which is prohibited. I plan to use these photos with my family kids. Some of the modern art looks like larger versions of what the kids do. As for the sculpture made of propellers from boat motors, I think my brothers could do that. I want to plant the seed of museum visiting in these young kids, as well as encourage their artistic expression. Some of the things I saw looked more like craft projects than art. But that can open up the discussion about defining art, even if they are sort of young. You're never to young to start the conversation about good things.