By Daily Press staff
He may not win a gold medal for his work, but Guan Yuliang is China’s official 2008 Olympic artist, and he will appear for the first time in the United States in an exhibition at the Los Angeles Asian and Tribal Arts Show (LAATA) at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
The reclusive Chinese artist is known for his 600-object exhibition at the National Art Museum in Beijing. Yuliang will show 10 of his newest works in a special exhibition at the Santa Monica show. A selection of the works will become part of the Beijing’s National Art Museum collection.
LAATA has been a favorite with collectors and art professionals for the past 15 years. The show features more than 65 international dealers specializing in Asian and tribal arts. Offering a range of antiques and contemporary pieces from around the world, the show provides the public an opportunity to view and purchase art. The public is encouraged to pose questions to the experts, view up-close and in some cases, touch the ancient and modern works.
The show also will feature a select group of lectures to be held with the exhibitors on Saturday and Sunday.
The lecture schedule is as follows: Saturday, Sept. 30 ■ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tribal Masks and South East Asian Sculpture with Mark A. Johnson of Mark A. Johnson Asian and Tribal Arts ■ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Introduction to Chinese Snuff Bottles with Clare Chu of Asian Art Studio ■ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Discussion of Native American Art and Culture with Phillip Garaway of Phillip Garaway Native Arts Sunday, Oct. 1. ■ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Chinese Robes and Textiles with Jon Eric Riis of Jon Eric Riis Oriental Textile and Costumes. ■ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Ancient Ceramics: Pit Firing and Terra Cotta Techniques with Ryann Willis of Ryann Willis Ancient Art. ■ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central Asian Textiles: Suzani, Ikat and Lakai with Casey Waller of Caravanserai Gallery An opening night preview and auction to benefit the Fowler Museum of Cultural History will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This will be the first opportunity to view the Yuliang exhibition.
LAATA is open to the public Friday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 1 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $12 per person. Call for details regarding the opening night benefit preview. The show is held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. For additional information, call (310) 455-2886, or visit www.caskeylees.com.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 9, 2006. Read the original PDF.