THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 2, 1996 TAG: 9605310180
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 45 lines
``The Giant Who Swallowed the Moon,'' a child's interpretation of the exotic culture and folklore of the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali, will open with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Children's Museum of Virginia.
Curator Joseph Fischer and two representatives of the Indonesian Embassy will attend.
The children's art focuses on basic themes - city and rural home life, school, crafts, work, games, religion, folklore, festivals, drama, music, the environment, and national and world affairs. The paintings were selected from children ages 4 to 15 who live in the artistic and cultural centers of Java and Bali.
The title piece, done in watercolor, refers to folk behavior in response to the eclipse of the moon or sun. Upon its onset, children and adults rush outside making loud noises to scare away the giant who appears to be devouring the moon or sun. When the eclipse is over, the moon or sun reappears, and the villagers are satisfied that their intervention has driven the ``giant'' away.
The pieces in the exhibit were selected from more than 500 works produced between 1988 and 1993. The works from Java are from the collection of an art teacher who conducts an after-school art program in his own studio. Those from Bali are from the collections of two prominent art gallery owners who supply painting supplies and instruction to promising students. The exhibit, on display through Sept. 2, is sponsored by the Nusantra Jaya Foundation of Jakarta and New York, and is an instrument of cultural diplomacy to enable Indonesian museuologists to intern in American museums. The show also is sponsored by the Republic of Indonesia through its consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Houston, and its embassy in Washington.
In conjunction with the Indonesian exhibit, the museum also will offer children an opportunity to make crayon batik artwork, as well as create Oriental paper fans, Origami dolls, masks and puppets throughout the summer.
Also, Pfeiffer's Books, Cards and Fine Wines at 434 High St. will feature a series of books on Indonesia during the summer months.
For information on the exhibit, as well as museum hours, programs and fees, call 393-8393. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
``Praying in an Islamic Mosque Java'' by an 11-year-old girl. by CNB