#United States #San Francisco #Asian Art Museum #Dr. Soyoung Lee #Barbara Bass Bakar

Asian Art Museum Appoints Dr. Soyoung Lee

The Asian Art Museum, located in San Francisco, has made a significant announcement that will reshape its future. Dr. Soyoung Lee has been appointed as the Barbara Bass Bakar Director and CEO, a role that she will assume in April 2025. This exciting development has been celebrated by the museum's Board of Trustees and the Asian Art Commission.

A Trailblazer in Asian Art

Dr. Lee is recognized not only as an esteemed art executive but also as a pioneering scholar in the realm of Asian art. Before taking on her new role, she served as the Landon and Lavinia Clay Chief Curator at the Harvard Art Museums since 2018. During her tenure, she was instrumental in shaping the artistic vision of the museums, focusing on collections-building, exhibitions, and nurturing the next generation of museum professionals through a highly regarded Museum Training program.

Her recent exhibitions included impressive showcases like "Future Minded: New Works in the Collection" and "Earthly Delights: 6,000 Years of Asian Ceramics," demonstrating her capability in curating thought-provoking and culturally significant art displays.

Vision for the Museum

Salle Yoo, Chair of the Asian Art Museum Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Lee’s appointment, citing her vast expertise in Asian art and culture. Her scholarly background and vision are anticipated to guide the museum into a new phase of growth and innovation. Dr. Lee herself conveyed her admiration for the museum, describing it as a singular honor to lead such an institution that has deep ties to both the Asia-Pacific region and a vibrant pan-Asian community located in San Francisco.

“I am thrilled to imagine charting an audacious path for the future of Asian and diasporic art and culture for everyone to experience,” Dr. Lee stated, highlighting her commitment to making the museum a welcoming space for diverse cultural narratives.

Previous Experience.

Dr. Lee's background includes an impressive 15-year tenure at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she worked as the first curator specifically for Korean art. Her efforts significantly broadened the understanding and appreciation of Korean art within the American cultural landscape. She has authored several influential publications, including Diamond Mountains: Travel and Nostalgia in Korean Art and Silla: Korea's Golden Kingdom, further establishing her as a respected voice in the field.

Holding degrees in art history from Columbia University, Dr. Lee is equipped with both the educational background and practical experience needed to lead the Asian Art Museum into a new era.

As anticipation builds for her leadership, the Asian Art Museum community is left eager to see how her innovative touch will transform this beloved institution and how visitors will engage with its rich collection of Asian art and culture. For more information about the museum and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.asianart.org.