Buddhism and Chinese art

The history of Buddhism in China is a history of crossroads and cultures. As early as the 4th century, Buddhism was transmitted from India to China via the Silk Road and maritime routes—a process that integrated new philosophies, art forms, and religious beliefs with indigenous Chinese traditions. Over 1600 years later, that integration still continues as Chinese Buddhism encounters new social contexts throughout mainland China. This lecture will journey along these crossroads.

France Pepper is the Founder and President of the China cultural consultancy China Insider, and she is a recognized professional in the field of Chinese art, history and culture. She is a curator of private and public collections, a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, has been a lecturer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and other institutions for more than 20 years, and was Director of Arts and Culture Programs at China Institute for 11 years. Pepper also curates and leads high-level cultural trips to China and other Asian countries. Her academic research was on Buddhist art and culture along the Silk Road.

This program will be presented in English.

Bridge Projects is pleased to announce “Light Through the Cracks,” a suite of online programs curated by art writer Clover Xuesong Zhou that complements the upcoming show A Composite Leviathan.

The title comes from curator James Elaine who uses lyrics by Leonard Cohen to reflect on themes of the show: “There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in.” As he says in his curatorial statement, A Composite Leviathan “showcases a community of dispersed artists, living in a conflicting system of flux and control, who are drawing the lines that let the light in.” The programs of “Light Through the Cracks” further explore how art and spirituality exist within the cracks of historical and contemporary Chinese culture.

Most programs will be in English and Chinese and fully online—a choice that gives viewers an opportunity to hear from honored speakers from all over the world.