esea contemporary is pleased to present ‘Tracing the Story of a Replica’, creative workshops that delve into the diffusion, function, and reproducibility of ritual objects. These hands-on sessions draw inspiration from our current exhibition, ‘Shadow and Void: Buddha¹⁰’, and invite participants to reflect on the journey of Buddhist artefacts, their meaning, and their transformation across time and cultures.
Guided by a member of the esea contemporary team, participants will craft small replicas of Buddhist figurines using plaster or resin moulds. These moulds are based on a historic bronze sculpture currently on display at esea contemporary, on loan from MAO (Museum of Asian Art), Turin. Originally created as votive and domestic objects, the bronze sculptures embody the spread of Buddhist iconography across Asia. Through this process, participants will explore questions central to the exhibition, such as: What does it mean to reproduce a sacred object? How does its meaning shift across different contexts? How do replicas preserve—or reshape—traditions?
The workshop also includes a guided tour of the exhibition, offering insights into the historical and sensory connections between the ancient artefacts and contemporary installations. Participants will discover how the exhibition bridges the gap between cultural heritage and contemporary art, using restoration and reinterpretation to spark new dialogues about spirituality and identity.
These workshops offer a unique opportunity to engage with the cycles of making and meaning, reflecting on themes of cultural displacement, ritual practice, and authenticity. By creating these figurines, participants will connect with Buddhist traditions and take home a tangible symbol of spirituality and heritage, reimagined through the lens of contemporary creativity.
These sessions are available on two dates:
Open to all ages, these workshops were originally developed by the educational department at MAO (Museum of Asian Art), Turin. No prior experience is needed, and all materials will be provided. Spaces are limited — book now to secure your spot.
-min.jpg)
