Look no further than the Awaken exhibit at the VMFA if you are looking for a great summer activity in Richmond!
Where to begin? I’ve been stumped on this blogpost for awhile because I have been trying to get my thoughts together about Awaken. It still seems impossible today. Basically, I LOVE this exhibit beyond words aka I am never going to have the right words to explain just how moved I was by this exhibit. So – I am POSTING it without the perfect words.
The way this exhibit was set up was genius. It really made me think deeply about the consistent distraction and fragmented reality we can fall victim to if we do not take time to remove ourselves from the noise of our daily lives. Our attention is constantly being fought for and distractions are everywhere. I love how this exhibit invites you to be fully awake in our lives rather than distracted by chaos and noise. Following the 10 galleries that correspond with the states along the Buddhist spiritual journey was so enlightening. My favorite rooms were the first one (I won’t give it away but if you saw my Instastories, you have an idea of what this is like), the contemplation room (where I spent a LOT of time soaking up the energy of this exhibit), and the last room. This exhibit is as much about you as it is the art. It was so moving, I can’t recommend it enough!
Run, don’t walk to the VMFA before Aug. 18 so that you can experience this magical art exhibit. We are so lucky to have Awaken in Richmond, VA!
Oh, and don’t forget to pop upstairs to the Amuse restaurant to top of your experience with an enlightened cocktail. I always love trying the drinks that coincide with the theme of exhibits at the VMFA. Especially the exhibits I love so deeply like Awaken.
