[photo credit: Eventbrite]
The museum-wide installation transforms all 12 rooms into an immersive journey where approximately 100 historical objects spanning more than 5,000 years blend with new media technology and works by more than 20 contemporary artists.
The narrative unfolds in verse on gallery walls, written in the voice of a wise elder.
Visitors walk through a shadowy night crossing filled with demons, step into an immigrant’s first apartment, and encounter a golden Jin Chan frog that dispenses coins.
A reconstructed airplane cabin features wraparound video.
An AI interaction lets visitors assume an immigrant’s role.
Dragons, cranes, guardian spirits and shapeshifters serve as metaphors for the emotional terrain of immigration.
“This exhibition invites us into a conversation that was always meant for us, made possible by activating the Pacific Asia Museum’s remarkable collection and collaborating with an exceptional group of artists,” Kim said.
“Together, I believe we have given timeless stories a renewed life.”
Bethany Montagano, director of USC Museums, called it “a transformational shift in our direction at USC Pacific Asia Museum, centering artists, rethinking interpretation, and building exhibitions from the emotional and intellectual lives of our audiences outward.”
Major support comes from Mei-Lee Ney, with additional backing from the Perenchio Foundation, McClay Family Trust, Margaret Leong Checca and Zhang Financial.
East West Bank serves as lead exhibition sponsor.
“Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry” runs Saturday Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. For more call (626) 787-2680 or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exhibition-tourspam-mythical-creatures-the-stories-we-carry-tickets-1978198520025?aff=oddtdtcreator. Tickets: $15 general admission, $12 for seniors, $9 for students (15+), free for children 14 and under.
