Sunday, January 17, 2010

A Week in NYC - Travel Blog - Sunday


First thing Sunday morning, Jayne Shape-shifted to our Hotel (the arty Roger Smith) and the three of us went up to the MET (Museum) to spend the whole day. It was the last day of ART OF THE SAMURAI, so we started there. What an amazing exhibit. They didn't allow photography, so some of these images are from postcards, and others from the MET's permanent collection, which we were allowed to photograph.
Two things struck me about Japanese armour. One, the mix of materials for their function, aesthetics, weight, movement, is astonishing - Steel, silk, paper, leather, lacquer...
Two, the earliest examples seemed as much about becoming large insects or monsters and scaring your opponent as it was body protection.
I guess these are simple things, but as I think about a body of work I have been noodling for a few years "Viatica of the New Warriors", these epiphanies are handy.

4 comments:

  1. OMG... what a SHOW. You bet I was there! I'm trusting you got the catalog???
    Up to my neck in do-raws, just now.
    xoxo Jayne

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lonnie I am pea green with envy. As a fencer and lover off all things related to the sword, armor and defense, this is a treat. I am glad you enjoyed yourself and I cannot wait to see how this expience filters through your art.

    ReplyDelete
  3. OOh, I can not wait to see what you do with this particular set of inspirations! You are just the person to do it, and it's gonna be incredible. YES!!!

    We were in NY the past few days as well, though we missed this show due to the usual overscheduling. Never enough time!

    ReplyDelete

Tidings and Salutations: