Space and Event: An Art History Workshop

The University of Chicago Center in Beijing
20th floor, Culture Plaza
No. 59A Zhong Guan Cun Street
Haidian District Beijing 100872

On March 10, numerous scholars, students, and art enthusiasts gathered at the UChicago Center in Beijing for a day-long art history workshop titled “Space and Event: An Art History Workshop”. The workshop, which features in-depth discussions on the dynamic relationships between space, time, and image-making in various historical contexts, brought together over 100 attendees. 

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Professor Peng Feng, Dean of the School of Arts at Peking University, followed by a keynote speech by Professor Wu Hung, Director of the Center for the Art of East Asia at the University of Chicago, who delved into the transformation of Sichuan’s Shu Roads and their representation in Chinese landscape art. Each of the three thematic panels examined distinctive topics from different aspects: The first panel analyzed the sites that created these images including the Basilica of San Vitale and mural tombs in the Tang Dynasty; The second session addressed the spatial and ritual dimensions of art history, from the royal palace in Song Dynasty to the Mesopotamian mythological rites and cliff tombs in Han Dynasty. In the final session, the topics switched to the role of photography and film in historical representation, touching upon the Montparnasse films and modern Chinese photography. Each panel was followed by a brief discussion session, where the scholars and experts communicated freely and explored the topics in greater detail, the experts also answered questions from the attendees, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of the topics. 

The event concluded with a summary by Huang Xiaofeng, Professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, highlighting the importance of academic communications and interdisciplinary approaches for art history research. Held at the UChicago Center in Beijing’s state-of-the-art facilities, the workshop underscored the Center’s role as a hub for intellectual exchange, bridging global scholarship with China’s rich cultural heritage.