Visual Arts Academy Students-Terracotta Warrior Exhibition in Melbourne

Terracotta Warrior Exhibition Visual Arts Academy

 On Monday 2nd September year 7, 8 and 9 Visual Art Academy Students visited the National Gallery of Victoria to see the Terracotta Warriors/Cai Guo-Qiang Exhibition.

Students experienced a rare opportunity to see a selection of China's terracotta warriors, discovered in China's Shaanxi province. The life-sized warriors, accompanied by horses, chariots, and a large collection of precious objects including priceless gold, jade and bronze artefacts are amazing to see close up. The artifacts date from the Zhou dynasty (1050 – 256 BCE) through to the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). These precious artefacts were presented in parallel with work by the contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang, whose exciting and dynamic works connect China's ancient history with China today. ​Students learned about the connection between ancient and modern day China and discussed how Cai Guo-Qiang’s work is able to connect China’s cultural past and present.

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The exhibition is divided into four sections:​

​Section One: Ritual Objects and Ancestral Treasures​

​Section Two: Imperial and Daily Life in the Qin Dynasty​

​Section Three: Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality​

​Section Four: Journey to the Afterlife, a Han Dynasty Tomb

Students also had the opportunity to explore street art in the famous Hosier Lane. Students were also able to watch a street artist creating a work right in front of them. Students and teachers alike had an enriching and enjoyable day.