I read this article in the New York Times which discusses Mogaoku, a site in Dunhuang, China near the Gobi desert which has hundreds of rock-cut Buddhist grottoes. The site is filled with elaborate frescoes and hand modeled clay sculpture. I was struck by the images of the interior paintings, which command a fluidity, grace, and calligraphic gesture which are both simple and compelling. Overwhelmed by tourism, the site is deteriorating from carbon dioxide and humidity, making efforts to conserve the site very difficult. Holland Cotter’s description of his on site experience really captures what I can imagine to be a once in a lifetime experience. You can also view the New York Times slideshow of the site.
Clara Lieu 