Event

In this talk, Dr. Lai explores the dialectical relationship between iconoclasm and the destruction and preservation of cultural heritage over the course of China’s turbulent twentieth century. Modern ideas about heritage conservation were introduced into China from the West, taking the form of modernizing projects carried out by the governments and the social elites. In fact, the very notion of a national heritage emerged with modernity, and modernity compelled changes in how cultural heritage was conceived and conserved. In this process, the dynamics of various forms of iconoclasm (or “anti-traditionalism”) and traditionalism played an important role in redefining the value and meaning of the past.
Dr. Guolong Lai, University of Florida & Getty Research Institute

Precirculated readings relavant to this talk can be accessed here: https://upenn.box.com/s/lwxxvo03wn7tgcws9oysszlumr0ymck6

Sponsored by the Center for Ancient Studies at University of Pennsylvania
Please enter at the Kress Entrance at the east side of the museum--bring your own lunch