Looking into the ever-changing path of civilization, Gu Wenda set the tone for this lecture by pointing out what he considers the unusual and the unconventional. By examining different series of work, ranging from the “United Nation”, a work that challenges the mystification the human body and multiculturalism; “Forest of Stone Steles”, an attempt to read into the commonality of our contemporary world; “Heavenly Lantern”, a celebration of multiculturalism, and the shifting perspective of contemporary landscape gardening of the East manifested in “China Park”, Gu will share with us his unique artistic language and his path as a celebrated artist.

Gu Wenda is one of the most important international artists of our time. Based in both Shanghai and New York, Gu works as a professional artist. During his time teaching at the University of Minnesota, he received the title of Aonorary Minnesotan from the Govemor of Minnesota. Gu is a guest artist and adjunct faculty member of Cooper Union in New York. He was a panel member of the International Artists Residence of PS1 Museum in New York in 1995, and a jurist for the Macao Arts Festival for the application of United Nations World Heritage in 2003. In 2009, he has won Southern People weekly's 50 China Charisma Auard.

Time: 2 pm - 4 pm, May 22nd