Keynote Address

11 a.m. to noon CDT

In the Name of Art—Destruction and Reconstruction (Virtual Session)

In person and live streamed: In human history, works of art are associated not only with creative imagination but also with constant destructive and reconstructive efforts. This presentation reflects on the destruction of Buddhist sites in China during the early 20th century, conducted not as iconoclastic acts but “in the name of art.” Political and economic factors undoubtedly contributed to such events, but was art historical scholarship itself also partially responsible for these tragedies?

In the Name of Art—Destruction and Reconstruction

In person and live streamed: In human history, works of art are associated not only with creative imagination but also with constant destructive and reconstructive efforts. This presentation reflects on the destruction of Buddhist sites in China during the early 20th century, conducted not as iconoclastic acts but “in the name of art.” Political and economic factors undoubtedly contributed to such events, but was art historical scholarship itself also partially responsible for these tragedies?

Wu Hung

Wu Hung’s research encompasses traditional and contemporary Chinese art, with a new interest in connecting art of different times and places into complex narratives. He has written many books and numerous articles and curated more than 80 exhibitions around the world. Among his multiple awards and honors, he was selected as the 2018 Distinguished Scholar by the College Art Association and received an Honorary Degree from Harvard University in 2019 for his contributions to the arts. At the University of Chicago, he is the Harrie A.