Wu Hung, In the Name of Art—Destruction and Reconstruction

"In the Name of Art—Destruction and Reconstruction"
University of Chicago
October 16, 2021
Wu Hung, Harrie A. Vanderstappen Distinguished Service Professor of Art History and the College

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? More important, how should today’s art historians and museum curators deal with this painful past?

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