First Thursday Lectures

The Society for Asian Art sponsors a public lecture the first Thursday of every month at the Asian. The fee for these lectures is a $5 (after museum entrance).

When: First Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Place: Asian Art Museum Education Studio

           (by Café Asia)
Note: Reservations are held until 6:30 pm

August 7

The Shaolin Fusion: Epitome of China’s Spiritual and Physical Culture?

With Andy Ferguson

 

 This lecture will explore the fusion of China’s spiritual and physical culture in the Shaolin tradition. Bodhidharma is credited to be the father of both Chinese kong fu and Chan Buddhism. What are the historical facts behind Bodhidharma’s legend and why is Shaolin culture often described as the “epitome” of Chinese culture in China? What is the relationship between Shaolin Culture and Chinese art? What is the role of Shaolin Temple in Chinese society today? Also, has the essence of Shaolin culture been lost in the popularization of kong fu in the mass media and spurious modern adaptation?

 

September 4

Chamunda's Corporeality:

Death, Aging, and the Medieval Female Body in a Sculpture from Northwestern India

With Deborah Stein, Mills College

More information to follow.

 

Check back again for more upcoming lectures.