Pāramitā ⌇ Reaching the other side (Dharma Workshop 4.)
The Dharma Workshop is a series of workshops at the museum, running for the first time this year, where we can explore together the sometimes familiar, sometimes unknown aspects of Buddhism. Led by invited visual artists, the events involve experiential, sensory learning rather than the classroom-style listening experience.
The last Dharma Workshop takes us to the horizon of existence, asking what we might see on the other side. Balancing between the themes of life and death, we will explore concepts such as enlightenment, becoming light, extinguishing, reaching the other side – all of which will be explored in a lecture by sinologist Judit Bagi, starting at 14:00.
Afterwards, the workshops will be open all afternoon. From 15:00 onwards, with the help of Martha Kicsiny, visitors can make translucent beeswax objects incorporating Buddhist symbols related to enlightenment. Ladders, fire, footprints and wheels are not only known as Buddhist, but also as universal symbols – several of which can be found in Martha's previous works.
Alexandra Szekeres' programme includes two interactive installations, which can be experienced in the garden of the Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts between 10:00 and 17:30. The overarching theme of both works is death, including the moment between life and death, a thin line of demarcation, a borderline, a state of crossing.
"Paramita – reaching the other shore."
Heavens I Died Under 1.
The work is set in front of the Chinese Moon Gate. A curious ensemble of deep black objects. A curved metal tripod and a hammock, accomodating a visitor wearing VR goggles, quieting their mind, allowing them to look around themselves in the darkness that envelops them.
Heavens I Died Under 2. Weighted blankets
The work is placed in a grassy patch in the garden. Positioned horizontally on the ground, visitors can cover their bodies with snow-white weighted blankets designed for anxiety relief. With their head resting on a cushion reminiscent of a traditional Chinese headrest, and wearing VR glasses, they can raise their gaze to the virtual sky while the blankets bind their body close to the ground. In this duality, the dissonance of the separation of body and soul is almost palpable.
The event will be guided by Judit Bagi, sinologist and curator of the Hopp Museum's Archive, and artists Martha Kicsiny and Alexandra Szekeres.
The concept for the Dharma Workshop was developed by Aliz Farkas.
Participation fee: 2500 HUF / person.
Discounts are not available.
The workshop is open to 15 participants at a time.
The ticket also entitles the visitor to view the exhibition.
Tickets are available at the museum ticket office on the day of the programme.