Origami, chopstick competitions, Asian history, special performances and more are all offered at the Wang Center this fall.
Jinyoung Jin, the Associate Director of Cultural Programs of the Wang Center, worked all summer to bring a wide variety of exhibitions, lectures and workshops to campus this year.
Origami Heaven showcases nine different artists’ works, from things to wear, furniture and installations all made from origami. Jin said she was asked about the lack of origami last year, so this year she made sure she included this exhibition for the fall.
The Earth and Sky: Captured Movement exhibition is all work by Sook Jin Jo, a Korean-American artist, who uses wood from old furniture.
Reality Override is mixed-media artwork by Ren Zi. Zi is a self-taught digital media artist who is inspired by Singapore. The exhibition that features his art is in celebration of Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence.
The Explore History: Objects from Asia exhibit will feature different items from Asian countries, donated by the faculty and students on campus.
Another thing Jin made sure she brought back for this year is the Shadow Puppet Show and workshop. She recalled that it was a big hit on campus. The puppet show will take place Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. with a workshop earlier that day at 1:30 p.m..
One of the special performances this year include Kyogen: Japanese Medieval Comedy on Dec. 8. Jin noted that in Japan, a ticket to see this show would cost about $200, but here students are able to attend for only $5.
There will also be a special performance on Sept. 23 by Verena Tay. Tay is a multi-cultural, multi-genre artist who will be telling stories from Singaporean folktales while using some humor. She will be reading and performing excerpts from her plays and short stories and also talk about her creative inspirations.
Something else that the center has never done before is a celebration of the Full Moon, which Jin said is similar to Thanksgiving in places across East Asia. To celebrate, there will be a festival in the Wang Center’s outside garden on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m., with special drum performances by drummers from all over the world. Jin talked about how they have not done many festival programs, but she wants to utilize the garden space.
Jin is thrilled about what is to come and said that now that it is her second year in her position, she feels like she was able to utilize all of the space of the Wang Center.
“I’m excited for everything,” Jin said. “I’m happy to change the look of the Wang Center.”
An opening reception on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. will celebrate all four exhibitions. There are lectures and workshops planned for the rest of the fall semester.
