The worlds of Asia reach from the Eastern Mediterranean to distant Japan, from Tibet to Bali. We still speak of ‘Asia’ as one broad culture but it is far more diverse and complex than that. Over the centuries the patterns and variations which have evolved in the processes of initiating, accepting, absorbing and even rejecting ideas and influences from within the Asian region and beyond have created an enormously rich family of cultures and artistic traditions often related, like China and Japan, but always distinctive.

The collections of Asian art in our Gallery reflect that wealth of inspiration, creativity and diversity. The great traditions of Buddhist and Hindu art are well illustrated in beautiful and spiritual works of sculpture from India, Gandhara, Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The arts of East Asia, China and Japan, are particularly well represented with the mainstream traditions of ceramics and painting which so powerfully demonstrate those distinctive and contemplative aesthetics.

A significant aspect of our Asian collections is our determination to demonstrate that, whilst the arts and cultures of Asian are indeed ancient, they are also living, continuing and contemporary. This beautiful and glowing addition to our Asian gallery not only expands the permanent collection galleries but also adds another dimension in providing space for regular temporary exhibitions of Asian arts, which will both expand our visions and ensure our appreciation of their perpetually evolving life.

Edmund Capon AM OBE
Director
Art Gallery of New South Wales