The Spencer Museum of Art invites viewers to contemplate the past, present and future with the exhibition “Temporal Turn: Art and Speculation in Contemporary Asia,” which opened Nov. 10 and runs through March 12, 2017. This major international exhibition at the University of Kansas features 26 contemporary artists from across Asia whose work explores ideas about time, history and memory. In addition to works from the museum’s permanent collection, “Temporal Turn” includes international loans and site-specific commissions by four artists-in-residence. All four artists will give a gallery talk from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the museum.

Organized by Kris Ercums, Spencer Museum curator of global contemporary and Asian art, the exhibition addresses a range of issues, such as our ongoing relationship with technology, climate change, globalization, and changing attitudes toward gender and national identity.

“‘Temporal Turn’ presents a diverse range of visions about our future world with work that attempts to bridge art and science in new ways,” Ercums said. “I hope that audiences will enjoy the incredible array of art and ideas and expand their understanding of this vibrant region of the world.”

The speculative focus of the exhibition is organized around five themes. "Pulse" presents artwork that investigates biological systems such as physiology and evolution. "The Edge of Infinity" examines the role of mathematics, astronomy and space exploration. "Mythopoeia" explores historical and mythical fictions grounded in culturally specific perspectives. "Human/Posthuman/Inhuman" ranges from predictions about the next step in human evolution to extraterrestrial life. The final theme, "Anthropocene," contemplates how humans are transforming nature on a planetary scale.

“The art in ‘Temporal Turn’ questions the nature and meaning of history. It is both inspired by and responsive to philosophical questions and social concerns,” said Saralyn Reece Hardy, Spencer Museum director. “Our ability to see beyond ourselves depends upon these forays of the imagination that require a leap into the unknown.”

Artists-in-residence Konoike Tomoko(Japan), Rohini Devasher (India), Park Jaeyoung(Korea) and Sahej Rahal (India) worked at the Spencer Museum during October and November to create new art for the exhibition.