Grain of Emptiness: Buddhism-Inspired Contemporary Art

Atta Kim (b. 1956); ON-AIR PROJECT 160-13, The India Series, Pahar Ganj, New Delhi; 2007; Eight-hour exposure, chromogenic print; Courtesy of the artist and Rubin Museum of Art, New York

November 5, 2010 – April 11, 2011

Press Release:

Grain of Emptiness features five contemporary artists — Sanford Biggers, Theaster Gates, Atta Kim, Wolfgang Laib, and Charmion von Wiegand — all inspired by the Buddhist notions of emptiness and impermanence and Buddhist ritual practice. These artists are from disparate backgrounds and explore a range of artistic mediums, but all have inherited the practice of incorporating Eastern religious beliefs into their works. The exhibition’s paintings, photographs, videos, and installations will be complemented by performance art.

Visitors are welcome to watch at 11:30am each day as trained museum staff fill Wolfgang Laib’s Milkstone, a process the New York Times calls “austere yet sensuous.” Laib’s Milkstones are slightly hollowed white marble slabs that, when filled with milk, appear to have solid, pure white surfaces. Visitors are also invited to witness the cleaning of the Milkstone, one-half hour before the galleries close each day.

Milkstone schedule

Filling
Wednesday – Monday, 11:30am

Cleaning
Monday, 4:30pm
Wednesday, 6:30pm
Thursday, 4:30pm
Friday, 9:30pm
Saturday and Sunday, 5:30pm

For more information, please visit rmanyc.org