Forces of Nature

About the Exhibition

For the ancient Maya, the natural world was both a source of nourishment and danger. From the sun to wildlife to maize crops, forces of nature manifested supernatural beings that were inseparable from their lives. This exhibition explores the rich world of the supernatural in ancient Maya art, through 200 works from LACMA’s notable collection — including ceramic vessels and figurines, and greenstone jewelry from present-day Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. These ancient artworks showcase how artists portrayed the supernatural world and how royalty acquired and displayed their own supernatural power.

The Blanton presentation is organized by Rosario I. Granados, Marilynn Thoma Curator, Art of the Spanish Americas

MEMBERS GET FREE ADMISSION

Upcoming / Past Events

Image Gallery

Press

Antiques and the Arts Weekly, The Fluidity Of Power – ‘Forces of Nature: Ancient Maya Art From The Los Angeles County Museum Of Art’ At The Blanton Museum Of Art

Art This Week, Interview with Curator Rosario Granados about Forces of Nature

Tribeza, Major Exhibition of Maya Art Opens in Austin at the Blanton Museum

Credit

Forces of Nature: Ancient Maya Art from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is organized
by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Support for this exhibition at the Blanton is provided in part by Bettye Nowlin.

Feature Image Credit

Teotihuacan-Style Censer with Ancestor and Storm God, 300-600, Maya, ceramic with post-fire pigment, 11 × 9 × 9 3/8 in. (27.9 × 22.9 × 23.6 cm), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost (M.2010.115.1019a-b) photo © Museum Associates / LACMA