Identification of the Event
One had the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian Institute which effectively contains two museums of Asian art through the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. These art galleries are actually interconnecting through an underground passageway and the art works, exhibits, and showcases are open to the public by visiting its location at 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. To comply with the requirements of this current discourse, one hereby initially identifies the museum that was visited; the date attended with the attendees; and the initial reaction upon arriving at the event.
The visit was undertaken on a Saturday morning, September 14, 2013 at opening time, 10:00 a.m. One got to visit the museum with close friends, one male and one female. The Sackler Gallery’s architectural facade was simple in style, traditional and contemporary; as contrasted to the Freer Gallery of Art which looked more grandiose and sophisticated in architectural structure and style. We focused on visiting current exhibitions in the particularly the Arts of the Islamic World and the Silk Road Luxuries from China, both from the Freer Gallery of Art. Our initial reaction upon entering the edifice was actually a mixture of awe, amazement, astonishment; with jubilant anticipation to view art pieces which are extraordinary and unique.
Specific Information and Description of Two Art Pieces
Likewise, the Silk Road Luxuries from China was another exhibit that captured our eyes; not only due to the unique details in various art forms, but also due to the ability of preserving these art works since ancient times. One of the art works that caught our attention was the funerary couch, disclosed to be made from three stone slabs and magnificently designed Sogdian musicians and dancers and Buddhist divinities, as noted. This piece was intriguing because one did not think that there existed a burial furniture, which was apparently used as a receptacle of the ancient dead, who were reported to be of noble descent. It was just awe-inspiring and utterly remarkable.
Summary of the Event and Description of Overall Reaction
One realized that there is so much more to see from the visit to the Smithsonian Institute. The current exhibits which showcased the two events from where unique and inspiring art pieces were found proved to be a beneficial source of additional knowledge on the subject of humanities beyond the classroom. One got to learn, not only from appreciating the art pieces within the museum; but also from the actual journey to a cultural event such as this. One therefore, got to realize that there are magnanimous ways to learn about culture and the arts from diverse endeavors, of which visiting a museum was just one, in addition to the traditional classroom setting. Through this experience, learning from other events of cultural, social, historical, and artistic influences to the study of world cultures is greatly recommended to others as a source of first hand learning experience.
