Apocolypse or Not?

As the impending doom of December 21’s scheduled apocalypse approaches, it’s only natural to want to get out and see the sites.  Visiting a few Pre-Colombian inspired exhibits in D.C. may have one realizing that the fascinating culture of Ancient Mesoamerica is much more than calendar-keeping.   

Here at the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery the Turned and Burnt: Pre-Colombian Artifacts and Wood-turned Vessels exhibit will give one a taste of Pre-Colombian art, paired with the works of local woodturners.  Both the ancient and contemporary pieces draw transcendental inspiration from nature.  The use of earthen materials and the involved process of creation in both Pre-Colombian terracotta and contemporary woodturning produce a physical connection between the artist and the art.  For Mayans, this process was no doubt mystical and for contemporary artists, it is cathartic.  This exhibit focuses on the historic tradition of connecting to nature via the artistic process.           

Not far away, at the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection in Georgetown, an extensive permanent Pre-Colombian collection is displayed as one with nature.  The specially designed gallery is a unique space that recreates for the viewer this connection with nature.  The circular room is walled by windows that at all times look out upon the gardens.  The viewer is immersed in nature which serves as a fitting backdrop for the art of a society that worshipped nature gods. Their current exhibit, The Ancient Future: Mesoamerican and Andean Timekeeping, expands upon the Mesoamerican calendars that so potently fascinate the masses today.

Aztec Sculpture, Dumbarton Oaks Pre-Colombian Gallery

Finally, at the Mexican Cultural Institute’s 16^th Street Mansion one can find a stunning array of murals that, just like Turned and Burnt, represent a collision of ancient motifs and modern style.  The murals were painted by Cueva del Rio between 1933 and 1941 and explore the history of Mexico in bold, colorful fresco.  Featured prominently among the murals are themes of Aztec mythology and stunning representations of the Mexican landscape.  Cueva del Rio synthesizes ancient traditions with modern Mexican life. 

Pre-Colombian Mexico, Roberto Cuevo del Rio, Mexican Cultural Institute

Turned and Burnt: Pre-Columbian Artifacts and Wood-turned Vessels

co-sponsored by the Office of Sustainability
October 8 - December 21, 2012
The exhibition is located on the 2nd Floor of the Media & Public Affairs Building at 805 21st Street, NW
Can be viewed:
Mon-Fri 7-10

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection 

Mexican Cultural Institute: The Mansion