Image:  Animals in Japanese Art – Screen

On Saturdays, we detour from the D.C. dining scene to highlight something related to art, often art related to food.  This weekend, we highlight the blockbuster show going on at the National Gallery of Art on the Mall: The Life of Animals in Japanese Art.  It is on display through Sunday, August 18th.

The exhibit covers seventeen centuries of art.  From screens, to statues, to modern pieces.  Based on the crowd last weekend, it also tapped into the zeitgeist of all things Japanese among a certain demographic.  Leave time for the large and profound piece in the last room.

From the NGA description:

“Covering 18,000 square feet in the East Building Concourse, the exhibition is organized into thematic sections that explore the various roles animals have played in the art of Japan.”

Also note that the Museum has extended hours: “From August 3 through the exhibition’s final day on August 18, The Life of Animals in Japanese Art will stay open late until 8 p.m. During the extended hours, visitors can learn more during pop-up talks at 6 and 7 p.m. by Gallery educators.”

When I visited, I also realized it was my first trip back to the East Building since the passing of I.M. Pei.  Which made me stop and appreciate the space even more.