Shanghai RAS – 22/4/14 – Liu Haisu: Shanghai, Paris, Art and Friendship 1926-1937

Posted: April 21st, 2014 | No Comments »

GRETCHEN LIU

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Liu Haisu: Shanghai, Paris, Art and Friendship 1926-1937

Tuesday 22 April 7:00 for 7:15 PM

RAS Library at the Sino-British College

1195 Fuxing Zhong Lu

The history of art during the Republican era is closely associated with the Shanghai Art Academy. In recent years scholars in China and in the West have researched the history of the Academy, its founder and longtime principal Liu Haisu (1896-1994), as well as its faculty and students, to better understand its role in disseminating Western art theory and practice in China.

 

When Liu Haisu was sent to Europe on a government mission to further his study of Western art and promote a greater understanding of modern Chinese art in Europe he contacted two of the Academy’s former students for advice, Liu Kang (1911-2004) and Chen Ren Hao (1908-1976), who had come to Paris to continue their art studies. Upon arrival Liu Haisu settled into the same accommodation in Nogent-sur-Marne in the eastern suburbs of Paris. There he was introduced to the young writer/translator Fou Lei (1908-1966) who had come to Paris to study the French language and literature and was developing an interest in art through his friendship with Liu Kang and Chen Ren Hao.

 

From 1929 to 1931 this intimate group explored Paris, visiting museums, galleries and artists, and traveled to Switzerland and Belgium. The experiences affected each of them profoundly. Deep friendships were formed that, despite several sharp disagreements and the vicissitudes of time, essentially lasted lifetimes. The lecture draws on the photographs of Liu Kang to illuminate the experiences of Chinese artists in Paris and its impact on Shanghai’s art scene.

Gretchen Liu – A former journalist, book editor and author with a special interest in architecture, visual heritage and the history of travel, Gretchen Liu is the author of a dozen books on Singapore and its history. She is the daughter-in-law of Liu Kang and is working on a book that explores his Shanghai experiences and friendships.

RSVP: to RAS Bookings at: bookings@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn  or just Reply to this email.

  

ENTRANCE CONTRIBUTION: Members 50 RMB  Non-members 70 RMB. Includes a glass of wine or soft drink. Priority for RAS members. Those unable to make the donation but wishing to attend may contact us for exemption.

 

MEMBERSHIP applications and membership renewals will be available at this event.

 

RAS MONOGRAPHS – Series 1 & 2 will be available for sale at this event. 100 rmb each (cash sale only)

 

WEBSITE: www.royalasiaticsociety.org.cn

 

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