From the Bulletin Today - February 6, 2009
"Time and Tide: The Changing Art of the Asmat of New Guinea," an exhibition of rare material from the American Museum of Asmat Art at the University of St. Thomas, opens Feb. 14 at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Featuring 72 objects that focus on the distinct and powerful aesthetic sense of the Asmat people of southwestern New Guinea, the free exhibition features works of sculpture, fiber arts and decorative painting. Featured artworks range from the ceremonial to the utilitarian – shields and spears, spirit masks, woven bags, drums, openwork carvings and figural sculpture.
Over their long history, the Asmat people have remained little known beyond their area of the Pacific until the past few decades. "Time and Tide" traces and illuminates visual and cultural themes, illustrating the broad scope of Asmat creativity. It also explores how their art has changed in recent years as greater exposure to the larger world has led Asmat sculptors and weavers to absorb and adapt new ideas.
Many of the pieces in the exhibition were acquired by the Crosier Fathers and Brothers during their decades as missionaries in New Guinea. In July 2007 the Crosiers and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Agats, Indonesia, donated the collection to St. Thomas, where plans are under way for a permanent gallery for the American Museum of Asmat Art.
The exhibition runs through June 14 in the art institute's U.S. Bank Gallery. General admission is free. Museum hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday. The museum is closed Mondays. Information: Call (612) 870-3131.