MAR 2007

VOLUME 38 - NUMBER 2

In the short space of 55 years, the Museum of Rietberg Zurich has rapidly established a reputation for the quality of its eclectic collections, its enlightened approach to exhibitions and the groundbreaking research they engender, and its sensitive treatment of works entrusted by donors and longterm lenders. A dramatic increase in visitor numbers and Switzerland's burgeoning interest in non-European art allowed the museum to embark on a visionary expansion in 2002. On 18 February, the Rietberg reopened with a new entrance, The Emerald, and larger galleries for permanent and sepcial exhibits.

Museum director Albert Lutz and architect Adolk Krischanitz discuss the thinking behind the exhibition. Helmut Brinker gives accounts of the museum's history and its landmark exhibitions. Jan Fontein explores how the understanding of Southeast Asian sculptures from the Rietberg's founding collection has evolved with advances in research and archaeology. Katharina Epprecht explains how the balance between aesthetics and subject-matter was achieved in the inaugural exhibition on early Japanese Buddhist art. During his tenure as director, Eberhard Fischer was largely responsible for developing the museum into an institution known for its expertise on the Manaku reflects his continued dedication to the field.

With events for Asia Week in New York beginning in mid-March, there are previews for the fairs and gallery openings. Read the commentary for Peter Marks's futuristic take on the art world fifty years from now.

FEATURES
Eberhard Fischer. The Painter Manaku of Guler: Works of a Great Indian Master in the Museum Rietberg Zurich
Katharina Epprecht. KANNON - Divine Compassion: Early Buddhist Art from Japan
Jan Fontein. Baron von der Heydt and his Collection of Southeast Asian Art
Helmut Brinker. A Short History of the Museum Rietberg Zurich
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Fair Preveiw: The International Asian Art Fair, New York
Fair Preview: The European Fine Art Fair, Maastricht
Puay-peng Ho. Book Review: Ronald G. Knapp: Chinese Houses: The Architectural Heritage of a Nation, Tuttle Publishing, New Clarendon and Singapore, 2005
Helmut Brinker. Made in Switzerland: Major Exhibitions of the Museum Rietberg Zurich
INTERVIEWS
Hothousing the World's Cultures: An Interview with Albert Lutz and Adolf Krischanitz
NEWS
Margaret Tao and Orientations. Gallery News
COMMENTARY
Peter Marks. Commentary: Brave New Artworld: A Report from 2057