Grain of Emptiness January 27, 2011

'Grain of Emptiness' features five contemporary artists - Sanford Biggers, Theaster Gates, Atta Kim, Wolfgang Laib and Charmion von Wiegand - all inspired by the Buddhist notions of emptiness and impermanence and Buddhist ritual practice. These artists are from disparate backgrounds and explore a range of artistic mediums, but all have inherited the practice of incorporating Eastern religious beliefs into their works. The exhibition's paintings, photographs, videos, and installations will be complemented by performance art. Visitors are welcome to watch at 11:30am each day as trained museum staff fill Wolfgang Laib's 'Milkstone,' a process the New York Times calls "austere yet sensuous." Laib's Milkstones are slightly hollowed white marble slabs that, when filled with milk, appear to have solid, pure white surfaces. Visitors are also invited to witness the cleaning of the 'Milkstone,' one-half hour before the galleries close each day.