Buddha10 Exhibition at MAO Torino Explores Sacred Iconography and Colonial Legacies
The Museo d'Arte Orientale (MAO) in Turin is showcasing 'Buddha10', under the curation of Davide Quadrio and Laura Vigo. This exhibition examines the evolution of the Buddha figure, tracing its sacred roots to modern interpretations and its commercialization for Western collectors since the mid-19th century. Among the exhibits is a late-18th-century sculptural group, restored in partnership with Centro Conservazione e Restauro 'La Venaria Reale'. Artists such as Charwei Tsai, Wu Chi-Tsung, and Andrea Anastasio are featured. Notable pieces include the installation 'Prana', a 16th-17th century Chinese wooden Buddha borrowed from Museo delle Civiltà, and miniature Buddhas gifted by Giacinto Auriti. The exhibition also features augmented reality and a soundtrack by Amosphère. Additionally, a new wing named t-space was inaugurated on October 26, 2023.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Buddha10' at MAO Torino curated by Davide Quadrio and Laura Vigo
- Explores Buddha iconography from sacred origins to contemporary reinterpretations
- Includes late-18th-century sculptural group never shown before, with visible restoration
- Collaboration with Centro Conservazione e Restauro 'La Venaria Reale'
- Features works by Charwei Tsai, Wu Chi-Tsung, Andrea Anastasio, Stefano Mancuso, Xu Zhen, Lu Yang
- Installation 'Prana' by Anastasio and Mancuso with tropical plants in Murano glass bells
- Monumental Chinese wooden Buddha from 16th-17th centuries on loan from Museo delle Civiltà, Rome
- Collection of miniature Buddhas donated by Giacinto Auriti
- Display design by dArk Studio using LED tiles and gold prespaziato panels
- Soundtrack by composer Amosphère
- Augmented reality system addressing iconoclasm
- Critical reception notes jarring kitsch in final rooms with works by Xu Zhen and Lu Yang
- Musical program curated by Freddie Murphy and Chiara Lee
- Planned radical change in May 2023 adding digital content and new works
- New wing t-space opened October 26 dedicated to conviviality and contemporary experimentation
Entities
Artists
- Davide Quadrio
- Laura Vigo
- Charwei Tsai
- Wu Chi-Tsung
- Andrea Anastasio
- Stefano Mancuso
- Xu Zhen
- Lu Yang
- Amosphère
- Freddie Murphy
- Chiara Lee
- Giacinto Auriti
- Valerio Veneruso
Institutions
- Museo di Arte Orientale (MAO)
- Centro Conservazione e Restauro 'La Venaria Reale'
- Museo delle Civiltà di Roma
- Palazzo Venezia
- dArk Studio
- Artribune
Locations
- Torino
- Turin
- Italy
- Roma
- Rome