Discover the profound impact of cultural traditions and beliefs on the development of Chinese art over centuries.

Speakers
Chunmei Pan, PhD Candidate, China Studies Research Centre, La Trobe University
Dr Claire Roberts, Associate Professor, Art History and ARC Future Fellow, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne
Prof Tonia Eckfeld, Principal Fellow, The University of Melbourne

Learning Outcomes

• Introductory knowledge of China’s early history and Chinese art from antiquity to contemporary
• Understanding of the development of Chinese art, and the origins and principles of Confucianism, Buddhism and other beliefs in Chinese culture past and present
• Understanding of the impact of Confucianism on Chinese culture

How is nature used as an inspirational force in Chinese art and culture? Explore examples of traditional and contemporary art works that consider the beauty and power of nature, and environmental challenges.

Speakers
Vickie Zhang, cultural geographer and documentary maker
Wayne Crothers, Senior Curator, Asian Art, NGV
Annika Aitken, Curatorial Project Officer, Asian Art, NGV

Learning Outcomes

• Insights into the importance of nature in Chinese culture and philosophy
• Understanding of the key role the natural world plays in traditional and contemporary Chinese art, literature and music

Learn about Mao’s Cultural Revolution (1966 – 1976) and its continuing influence on contemporary Chinese art, with consideration of the current restrictions in representing political beliefs.

Speakers
Prof Antonia Finnane, Lecturer, The University of Melbourne
Dr Claire Roberts, Associate Professor, Art History and ARC Future Fellow, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne
Luise Guest, Manager of Research, White Rabbit Gallery
Susan van Wyk, Senior Curator, Photography, NGV
Annika Aitken, Curatorial Project Officer, Asian Art, NGV

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the history of the Cultural Revolution in China from 1966 until 1976
• An understanding of how economic progress has led to the evolution of Chinese Communism
• Understanding of the effect of Communism and the Cultural Revolution on Chinese art today
• Awareness of the effect of successive Communist regimes in China on dissident Chinese artists

What is the impact of China’s rise in the global economy on Chinese contemporary art and culture? Considering works on display in A Fairy Tale in Red Times: Works From the White Rabbit Collection, learn how to situate China in a global framework and consider the impact of globalisation on the Chinese contemporary art scene.

Speakers
Philipp Ivanov, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Society Australia
Merriden Varrall, Nonresident Fellow, Lowy Institute and Director of Geopolitics and Tax, KPMG
Dr James Leibold, Head of Department, Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University
Dr Anita Archer, Academic, The University of Melbourne
Dr Simon Maidment, Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, NGV
Annika Aitken, Curatorial Project Officer, Asian Art, NGV

Learning Outcomes

• Introductory knowledge of the current economic structure in China and its impact on contemporary Chinese art
• Insights into the influence of the global economy on the development of the Chinese art and culture
• Understanding of the relationship between China and the West today
• Knowledge of the effect of Western ideas on Chinese art over recent decades
• Insights into Chinese contemporary artists as global citizens creating art for an international market