Experience: Terra cotta Exhibit @ VMFA

On January 15, my father and I went to visit the Terra cotta Exhibit after wanting to for some time. We went through the rooms, looking at the descriptions of the dynasties and emperors for some time, and learned more about the time period. Most of the information I had already learned last year through my history class, and going through here reminded me of the facts that had become hazy after a year of learning them.

Once we got through roofing tiles and various vases/ water containers, we reached the focus of the exhibit– the warriors. At the entrance of the final room, there was an informational poster about Qing Shi Huang's tomb (my favorite part knowing that he surrounded himself with mercury), and after reading it we finally took a look at the terra cotta figures. I felt a little let down, because throughout the exhibit the information stated that there were over 8,000 warriors thought to be in existence, and here there were only about 8 in this room. The smell of clay was something I noticed immediately, and how I'll probably remember this exhibit from now on. After walking around the soldiers, I finally got to really appreciate their existence.

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While looking around, my father and I discussed how it was possible to make so many of these and not have them look alike. They reminded me of snowflakes in a way. But, at the exit of the exhibit they had this information posted, so the almost impossible warriors' creation was not such a mystery after all.

Overall, I appreciated the exhibit, mostly because of the fact that I got a glimpse into another part of world history that I may not have been able to otherwise. One day, I would like to visit the museum (open archaeological site) they have in China, and maybe be a little more overwhelmed by these terra cotta creations. I don't think my work will be directly influenced by this experience, but who knows. Although, I did like the outline stickers they had on the wall (see top left pic) so maybe I'll use the style in tattoo/ pen and ink designs...