Works by eight contemporary artists – Sven Drühl, Jia, Naoko Matsubara, Ônishi Hiroshi, Rhee Jae Yong, kate-hers RHEE, Luzia Simons and Aiko Tezuka – are juxtaposed with traditional artworks from the East Asian collection in the permanent exhibition space. The resulting dialogues challenge ways of seeing and thinking, cast a new light on familiar objects and provide surprising insights and perspectives.

The range of artistic approaches on show in 'Intersections: Contemporary Art and Tradition’ all, in one way or another, take inspiration from the formal and conceptual characteristics of East Asian art. At the same time, they push their boundaries: a porcelain vase becomes filigree mesh; subversive purpose appears behind decorative order.

The Museum für Asiatische Kunst will close in January 2017 in preparation for its relocation to the Humboldt Forum. This exhibition marks a farewell to Dahlem and, through its large variety of artistic approaches, gives a perspective on the diverse ideas addressing the here and now in the Humboldt Forum.