Walter Knoepfel, a museum member since 1986, has named the Asian Art Museum as a beneficiary of his Individual Retirement Account. We recently caught up with him to talk about the role of Asian art, and the museum, in his life.
Q. How did you first get interested in Asian art?
A. I went to Indonesia for a two-year work assignment in 1974. This was my first trip to Asia, and what an eye-opener! The art of Indonesia is bright, vibrant, and diverse. The high point for me was a visit to Borobudur Temple to see the sunrise. This was a magical, almost mystical, experience and was the catalyst for my interest in Asian art as a reflection of an entirely new way of looking at life.
Q. What's your favorite Asian Art Museum experience?
A. The Divine Bodies special exhibition [in 2018] was probably the best showcase of the finest Asian art I have seen in the United States. The choice and quality of the objects, the clarity of the narratives, and the linkage to "art as life" all motivated me to get a better understanding of the religions of Asia. In fact, after leaving the museum, I went next door to the library and checked out a book on Buddhism — and then I recommended the exhibition to my yoga instructor!
Q. What are the key factors that influenced your decision to make the Asian Art Museum a part of your legacy?
A. The Asian Art Museum is one of San Francisco's cultural gems, and it sets us apart from so many other American cities! Having lived in Asia for nine years and being married to a lovely Indonesian woman for 36 years, I have a huge appreciation for the value of our city's Asian cultural ties.
My decision to make a gift was to help assure, in some small way, that the Asian Art Museum will be around a long, long time, educating and motivating future generations.