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San Francisco Asian Art Museum vs MOMA

April 27, 2018 //  by Di Hickman//  20 Comments

On my visit to San Francisco last month I knew one of the things I wanted to do was visit some museums and art galleries. When preparing for any trip Google is your friend. Find your location on Google maps then type in “art gallery” or “museum” and suggestions should pop up. Two of the places that popped up for the area we stayed at were the Asian Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art [MOMA]. After looking at the website I knew I wanted to go to both, as a yoga teacher Asian art is interesting to me, and as I went to college for Graphic Design modern art was up my alley too.

EXPLORING SAN FRANCISCO asian art museum

Asian Art Museum

Located on  Larkin and Fulton near City Hall, the Asian Art Museum is a pretty easy find and easily accessible by foot. Powell St BART station is just a few blocks away making it accessible from pretty much any public transport system in the city. I’ve visited a few museums in recent years in the study of yoga, Asian deities and yogic teachings, so I was  eager to check out their exhibits. The Museum has three floors and art from all over Asia including Persia, Tibet, China, Korea, Japan and more. Here you can see paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, tapestries, clothing, dolls and so many more kinds of arts. There is something for everyone.

asian art museum

asian art museum

As soon as I saw this piece outside I knew I was going to LOVE the Asian art museum. This is Dragon Fortune by Hung Yi and I was immediately smitten. Inscribed on the body are abundant Chinese expressions of good fortune, such as, “Every day brings buckets of gold.”. The dragon’s shape is fish-like, evoking Chinese folklore about carp transforming into dragons. I loved the bright colors. The design reminded me of meditative coloring, scrapbook paper and tapestries and I just felt happier for seeing it!

asian art museum

asian art museum

I actually loved the contrast of old and new. In a few sections there was a mixture of modern art and older sculptures and ceramics. Some childrens projects were also on display making this a real mix. While I was most eager to see the architecture and hindu/buddhist pieces I was stunned by some of the up and coming artists. The blue sculpture above was one that particularly caught my eye.

asian art museum

asian art museum

asian art museum

 

Special Exhibit Divine Bodies

On researching the Asian Art museum I learned they had a special exhibit opening the week before I arrived called Divine Bodies. It honestly seemed like fate was lending a hand and telling to go visit! Bringing historical paintings and sculptures from mainly Hindu and Buddhist traditions together with contemporary photo-based work, Divine Bodies invites you to ponder the power of transformation, the possibility of transcendence and the relationship of the body to the cosmos. It was thought provoking, and awe inspiring with the beautiful sculptures and photographs. My favorite of which was the White Tara from Nepal (below). Definitely worth the extra fee to check out the exhibit, Divine bodies runs until July 29th 2018.

asian art museum

asian art museum

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Many years ago in college I studied graphic design, I even working in design and print while in college. During that time I fell in love with the work of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Warhol satisfied my pop-art poster style with white space, while Lichtenstein more filled my childhood fantasy of cartoons and color. I was happy to see both artists on display along with others like Pollock and Matisse.

moma

moma

There were seven floors at the MOMA, and it had several pieces I loved. The exhibit called “The Train” depicting the journey RFK’s body for burial, the spiders by Louise Bourgeois (eerily beautiful), and a Photographic works by Penelope Umbrico of 5,377,183 sunsets . I also found some works with lots of texture and detail. Work that left me inspired and eager to create.

moma

moma

moma

However, while I found some new artists I liked, there was a lot that left me puzzled. Art is subjective, but I really had to wonder how a red square on a white wall was “art”. Some wood stacked in a corner of a room was art? Or the one with the woman shaving her legs in the bath… I was left wondering “what is art?”

moma

What is art?

Art is defined in the Oxford dictionary as: The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. This is where it gets tricky I guess. While I wasn’t moved emotionally by some of the pieces, it’s varied per individual. I can be moved by Lichtenstein and Warhol as it stirs memories for me of a time in my past. Plus I find it visually pleasing.  Others may find a bunch of air purifiers hanging from the ceiling (An Te Liu “Cloud”) emotionally stirring. For me I’m much more a piece by piece connoisseur of art.

moma

Modern or Asian?

So what’s my verdict? If you could only go to one, which would I suggest? Hands down the Asian Art Museum! As a clear winner for me due to the sheer variety of work. Really though it’s going to depend on your artistic tastes. I loved the Divine Bodies exhibit but there were so many other pieces to view and digest. Usually my favorite pieces tend to be of Ganesh, I was mesmerized by the White Tara. I bought a postcard of it as a keepsake. While I loved the space and openness of the MOMA the art didn’t hold my attention like the Asian Art Museum. Do both if you can, but if it’s one or the other definitely go with the Asian Art Museum!

Questions

Which Museum do you think you’d have prefered?

What art medium do you like? 

Do you have a favorite artist?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Easter Babe

    April 30, 2018 at 6:21 am

    The Asian Art Museum looks very interesting. I think I would love to visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:06 am

      Definitely a variety of things to do in San Francisco!

      Reply
  2. Becca Wilson

    April 30, 2018 at 5:25 am

    I love to visit art museums. There is so much talent out there just waiting to be discovered!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:05 am

      So true! This is why I liked the asian art museum, some of the art the kids had done were amazing!

      Reply
  3. mike reid

    April 29, 2018 at 8:55 pm

    I have never heard of this museum before. The artifacts all look amazing. Next time I am in San Fran I will put it on the list.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:05 am

      Definitely great places to visit!

      Reply
  4. Kara Ferwerda

    April 29, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    That looks like a great museum. I love going to museums because I always learn something new!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:04 am

      Yes and not just about the art but about myself!

      Reply
  5. David Allen Elliott

    April 29, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    I find it interesting that these items find themselves in the museum of modern art when I feel like a lot of it would find themselves just as easily in more classically artistic museums. All very beautiful and interesting though.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:04 am

      There is a big mix of what is considered “modern art” apparently.

      Reply
  6. Yesenia

    April 28, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    I think the appreciation you have for art is beautiful! Its reflected through your writing. I would probably enjoy the Museum of Moden Art more.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:03 am

      thank you! Yes I love all things creative

      Reply
  7. jillian

    April 28, 2018 at 10:29 am

    I really enjoy looking at art. It’s so much fun and always interesting.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:02 am

      Yes it’s so varied

      Reply
  8. Angela Tolsma

    April 28, 2018 at 8:19 am

    I would love love to go to this museum. Asian art is so unique and I think it would be a fantastic place to go. I love the letter drop picture.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:02 am

      I loved that it was next to old sculptures and ceramics. Blend of new and old

      Reply
  9. Stephanie

    April 28, 2018 at 3:36 am

    Between the two, I definitely would prefer the Asian Art Museum. I also have a degree in Digital Design, but I’m not usually a fan of much modern art. Plus, the bright colors in Asian Art coupled with the immaculate details make it amazing.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 9:00 am

      Hah you sound like me! My education is graphic design and though I love it, my passion is asian art also

      Reply
  10. Lisa

    April 27, 2018 at 6:24 pm

    This looks so fun, their are some amazing pieces here! I’ll have to put this on places to see!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 3, 2018 at 8:59 am

      It was really worth doing both, but I preferred the asian art museum

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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