Internationally acclaimed British artist and author Edmund de Waal brings a new dimension to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens with his yearlong exhibition, the eight directions of the wind. Running from October 18, 2025, to October 26, 2026, this multisite exhibition features new, site-specific installations across three iconic Huntington locations: the Huntington Art Gallery, the Chinese Garden, and the Japanese Garden.
The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the cultural movement of ideas, objects, and people across time and space through installations that blend porcelain, poetry, and natural materials.
Exploring Memory, Movement, and Cultural Transmission
Themes of cultural exchange and historical memory are central to the eight directions of the wind. The three main installations—“on sanctuary,” “on porcelain,” and “on shadows”—evoke contemplative responses by drawing connections among The Huntington’s collections and the global histories they represent.
De Waal’s work—known for its minimalist beauty and layered narratives—underscores the idea that objects carry stories across generations. The installations prompt questions about how histories are preserved, shared, and transformed over time.
A Multisensory, Multisite Experience
Visitors will encounter immersive art experiences throughout The Huntington’s diverse settings:
- In the Huntington Art Gallery, de Waal’s work connects European fine art traditions with global influences.
- In the Chinese Garden, natural materials and poetry emphasize the flow of cultural narratives across continents.
- The Japanese Garden becomes a meditative space for reflecting on shadows, silence, and the ephemeral.
Each location reveals a different “direction of the wind,” guiding visitors through a layered journey of meaning and memory.
Public Programs and Companion Publication
To deepen engagement, The Huntington will offer a robust suite of public programs accompanying the exhibition, including:
- A specially produced audio guide
- A youth summit focused on intercultural dialogue
- Lectures, performances, and other live events
- An illustrated publication that contextualizes de Waal’s new work and its ties to The Huntington’s collections
About the Artist
Edmund de Waal is a celebrated ceramicist and author whose work has been exhibited worldwide, including at the British Museum, the Frick Collection, and the Venice Biennale. His writing, particularly The Hare with Amber Eyes, has earned international acclaim for its introspective exploration of memory and material culture.
Visit Information:
the eight directions of the wind: Edmund de Waal at The Huntington opens October 18, 2025. Learn more at huntington.org.
