Seattle Asian Art Musuem (SAAM)

Situated amid the lush, green grounds of Volunteer Park, the serenity of SAAM begins with the walk leading up to its heavy front doors. The immaculate tree-lined streets show off the quainter, quieter side of Capitol Hill, a neighborhood clearly proud of the treasure it encloses. Once inside the 1933 art deco building, the elegant yet simple geometric lines become a perfect backdrop for the impressive collection—a vast representation of countries and eras that has been ranked among the top ten outside of Asia.

The unadorned walls are coated in an understated sage. It’s an appropriate color considering the consistent theme of antiquated wisdom that streams throughout each exhibition. Such displays include paintings, sculptures of various materials, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, decorative arts, and many other pieces. Noteworthy exhibitions include the museum’s prominent Chinese jade collection and the diverse selection of Japanese art, rated as one of the top five in the nation.

Another recurring theme is Buddhism. The museum thoroughly explores the ways in which different cultures celebrate the religion, particularly in the series Discovering Buddhist Art – Seeking the Sublime. An entire room is devoted to the art of meditation. Everyone, regardless of faith or knowledge of Buddhism, can enjoy it. Set up as a sacred ritual space and complemented by ancient implements (portable shrines, incense burners, masks, ritual gongs and vessels), it’s difficult to enter the space without feeling completely at ease. It’s impossible to leave without feeling a little bit lighter and a little more enlightened.


Current Exhibition: Su-Mei Tse: East Wind
April 5 – December 7, 2008

Luxembourg based artist Su-Mei Tse combines music and video in the mesmerizing installations, Mistelpartition and The Yellow Mountain. Both are featured in a huge dark room with a handful of empty birdcages (all of which are part of the SAAM’s permanent collection) that the artist hung meticulously to the side of the biggest screen. The only other noticeable objects are the three large benches set in the center of the room, offering a perfect place to sit and listen as the classical music coincides with images of blinking mistletoe and a sun rising over a mountain. It’s an ideal spot to have a seat, let go of any anxieties, surrender to nature and just breathe.