Dr. Vivian Li is the new curator of Asian art at the Worcester Art Museum.  Dr Li, who did her PhD at the University of Michigan, specializes in Chinese art, with a focus on sculpture in the development of modern art from the early 20th century through the postwar period. In her new role, Li will oversee the Museum’s Asian art program and collection, encompassing artworks from antiquity through the 20th century. Her specific responsibilities include developing a vibrant exhibition program, building on the Museum’s holdings with new acquisitions, and rethinking the narrative of WAM’s permanent collection galleries.  She holds an MA from the Ohio State University and a BA from the University of Texas at Austin.  

I met Dr. Li at the Worcester Art Museum.  WAM was a lovely surprise. Right in the heart of the Worcester, this lovely museum features a grand mosaic just as you enter and the foyer takes your breath away. 

“I took this job because of the commitment the museum has to really help develop the Asian and South Asian art section” says Vivian Li. She walked me into the Indian Art section. We were greeted by a spectacular sculpture of Lord Bramha , from 

TamilNadu , Chola Dynasty, 10th Century. There were various other figurines  including Standing Shakyamuni Buddha from the Gandhara period, 3rd century CE, Frieze of Buddhist Figures Gandhara- Kushan period, 2nd century CE, Vishnu, East Indian, Bengalese, 12th century and Standing Vishnu, Central India 10th century–11th century. 

“There are wonderful pieces in the museum. We however need to redo the gallery to showcase them in the best possible light.  I am excited to work on it”, says Li.  We take a tour of some of the Asian art.  â€œWe have some great Japanese Art in the Museum”.  She showed me some of the beautiful Islamic art. 

So what do curators do? “Identification and acquisition of  pieces is an important part of the job. We need to select the pieces and showcase them in the best possible manner. The exhibits need to tell a story and hence the correct placement of the pieces is very important. Pieces, especially paintings need to rest. Thus we need to rotate the pieces. 

For Dr. Li, museum is not just a place for entertainment but has a much grander purpose.  â€œAs museum is a safe and beautiful way to understand the other cultures. At a time when there is so much conflict in the world, I truly feel if people could learn about each other’s culture. Art is a beautiful window into people’s way of life. If people understand each other, I feel there will be less conflict in the world”

The rest of the collections at the museum are equally amazing. There is a great collection of local New England painters including John Singleton Copley after whom the Copley square was named. One could see so much of New England history at the museum. 

“We would like to make the museum a very dynamic place. Our Nude art studio has been a great attraction. It is expensive to have Nude models.  Painters have hugely benefitted from this opportunity,” says Dr. Li

  The space at the museum is also wonderful for events.  â€œWe are hoping to do more events and exhibitions with Indian themes” says Dr. Li.  We ended the tour with a lovely luncheon at the Café at the museum. “It just so happens that the best gourmet luncheon place in this area is also in the museum”. 

“We welcome you to visit the museum and become a part of the community that supports this” says Dr. Li. 

To learn more about the museum, please visit them at  http://worcesterart.org