Staff Art Pick of the Month: the Empowering Green Tara

Have you ever wondered what museum workers really think about the art they see every day? In our new monthly blog series, we’ll explore the Rubin galleries with a Museum staff member and learn about their favorite object from our collection.

This month, we sat down with YooRae Choi, Coordinator of Admissions and Engagement, to discuss a sculpture of Green Tara:

What do you do at the Rubin?

I’m often one of the first people to greet visitors when they come to the Museum. In my role, I work to ensure that visitors are receiving the best quality of engagement with the art and programs at the Rubin. This plays out on a day-to-day basis when I greet visitors at the front desk and assist with leading tours.

If you had to pick just one, which art object from our collection would you say is your favorite?

I’d pick the Green Tara sculpture in our second floor exhibition, Gateway to Himalayan Art.

Why did you select Green Tara?

I chose this object because Tara is my favorite deity. I love that she is an empowering female figure that is always ready to protect you. I particularly enjoy this piece because of the way her one leg is hanging off the pedestal as if she’s ready to jump in and defend you in your time of need.

I find this sculpture to be both comforting and inspiring. I chose to pursue a public-facing profession in the arts because I believe that art has an important place in every community. When I look at Tara, I’m reminded of my passion and motivated to work hard to foster a community here at the Museum and provide the best visitor experience possible.

About Green Tara

One of the most beloved deities in Himalayan and Central Asian Buddhist traditions, Tara, known as the “saviouress,” is often appealed to through the recitation of her invocation (mantra), known to lay and religious persons alike. It is said that reciting this mantra with devotion many times strengthens one’s connection to the female deity, solicits her protection, and accumulates merit, increasing positive karma.

Learn more about Green Tara by planning a visit to the Rubin! Exhibition Highlights ​Tours run twice a day and are included with admission.