Ultimate fight. Asian martial arts - Exhibition catalogue

The martial arts are considered in their external and internal dimensions, that is to say in a continuity between body and spirit. Addressing their mythical and religious context opens up the essential themes of the Asian arts: combat, of course, but also the representation of wisdom triumphing over...

The martial arts are considered in their external and internal dimensions, that is to say in a continuity between body and spirit. Addressing their mythical and religious context opens up the essential themes of the Asian arts: combat, of course, but also the representation of wisdom triumphing over ignorance, meditation and the power of nature.

The exhibition catalogue gives an account of the richness of the representations of the martial arts, by mixing ancient and contemporary works, and cinema. A map helps locate the main Asian martial arts and timelines offer their historical milestones. These tools are extended by numerous complementary essays that intelligently approach the theme through history, mythology or popular arts.

Exhibition at the musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac from 28 September 2021 to 16 January 2022.

272 pages / 255 illustrations

Réunion des musées nationaux - Grand Palais / Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac