The Rubin Museum of Art Visit
This first semester at Baruch as well as the semesters to follow are all part of the college experience that will shape us to be more knowledgeable and experienced individuals. However, I believe that journey passes by very quickly, and we take little time to reflect on who we were, what we have learned, and who we are becoming. I am thankful the freshman seminar for this year was based around the themes of identity and self discovery as it helped me in the endeavor of learning about myself. The reading, A Bitter Sea by Charles N. Li and the visit to the Rubin Museum of Art only enhanced the curriculum. Experiences like my visit to the Rubin Museum not only provided amazing art and architecture, but also helpful insight on my ancestral traces and educated me on a vast part of the world.
My heritage had always been a struggle to explain, let alone understand. Being Chinese Guyanese and Indian Guyanese was a confusing aspect of my life, especially growing up in Richmond, Virginia where I was the only tan face in a sea of black and white. As a child, I knew no differently, and thought I was the same as everyone else until another student saw the dissimilarity and was quick to point it out. He took apart my last name to his advantage and construed some rather witty jokes. Needless to say, I became excruciatingly aware of my solitude in terms of physical appearance and my strange last name.
Thankfully, my family decided to move to Queens, New York when I was ten years old. It was one of the best things that happened to me. My previous life in Virginia had little diversity and mixture. The Guyanese culture in Queens was so rich and vibrant, not to mention the other cultures that added so many colors and so much life in one place. In just a few years, I learned how to dance to classical Punjabi music, drink a Jamaican ital jockey, and speak a few words of “street” Spanish. Despite the variety of music, foods, and languages in New York, my identity solidified. It is simply human nature to feel belonged and loved, and it was certainly a beautiful feeling to know that I belonged to a group of people. As the years passed by, I slowly became more confident and able to explain that I was Guyanese and what my culture involved. I recognize that one’s surroundings can truly enhance experiences and create an open mind in even a young child.
I am no longer a young child, but my mind still takes in a great deal from its surroundings. One environment that was truly unique and independent in its style was the Rubin Museum. Being aware that I had Chinese and Indian ancestral roots, I was somewhat intrigued by the Himalayan arts. However, I had no knowledge of the Chinese or Indian languages and cultures. Just walking into the museum took some time to truly absorb the ambiance. The fresh, clean look of just the front room was refreshing and looked so rich. Immediately, I could smell some sort of curry wafting in from the café along with a kind of incense. My brain suddenly took me back to my aunt’s jandhis, which are Hindu ceremonies that are done yearly to bless the home and family. The combination of smells of the incense and curries were magically linked to my family’s culture. I instantly felt a warm invitation. As I stepped inside, the rich dark floors led to a spiraling staircase. I did happen to look up at the stunning roof that seemed to open up to heaven itself. It’s beautiful, yet simplistic design resembles something holy and peaceful.
Amongst the many figurines and artworks, one that I clearly remember is a bright orange staircase. I can recollect that the stairs were somehow related to Buddhism, but it certainly reminded me of the religions of the world and how they are all interrelated. Every religion promotes the improvement of one’s self and morals which will ultimately lead to a reward, whether it is heaven or eternal peace. That artistic piece gave me a sense of unity with the world as we should try to achieve some sort of advancement within ourselves. Another work that stands out in my memory is the never-ending pans of rice which were a representation of a Buddhist tradition. Foods for the gods are something seen in several cultures, including Guyanese culture. Although it is not specific to Buddhist nature, Guyanese culture promotes ritually feeding the wandering spirits of deceased family members. These artworks showed some similarities to Guyanese culture and, in turn, provided a sense of belonging. The Guyanese culture is often overlooked as we are from a tiny country with little voice in which we are trying to change. This musem made me feel different. I felt somewhat stronger. Although there were some variations, my own culture was being exhibited in this Rubin Museum. There was light being shone on my ancestors. It felt authentic and concrete.
The Rubin Museum of Art, although concentrated on the Himalayan culture, reflected my ancestral roots as well as the human nature to create a society and its own traditions. The museum proves that we are all different but very much connected to each other in many ways. Fundamentally, we are all humans sharing the same basic needs to feel belonged and exchange thoughts with likeminded people. Growing up, I may have felt out of place and odd. Today, I have learned through experiences like the Rubin Museum that there is place for each of us in this world.
**This is to state that this contest entry is solely the work of Jessica Chu-A-Kong. No external sources were used.