Unknown Indian, Head of Bodhisattva, 3rd century, stucco with traces of polychrome, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Isabel B. Wilson.

“All compounded things are impermanent.” Throughout his teachings, the Buddha repeated these words over and over and over again.

Inspired by the many golden crowns and ancient representations of enlightened beings in the Museum’s collections of Asian art, CORE Performance Company has choreographed a new piece titled “Objects of Impermanent Value.” This short performance is about the search for who we are as human beings, and how that search is shaped by the need to worship, and by human desires.

CORE dancers sing, dance, and drum new rhythms based upon ancient songs, creating moments both confessional and archetypal. The performance promises to physicalize the art, encouraging us to look at art from perspectives we might not have thought of before.