Shanghai and Beyond

Shanghai and Beyond: Understanding the Power of Art and Visual Culture


Jay Xu, Director, Asian Art Museum


Through its tumultuous history of over 150 years, Shanghai was one of Asia’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, and today it is experiencing some of the fastest development on the planet. San Francisco and Shanghai are celebrating their 30-year sister relationship in 2010, when Shanghai will host the World Expo. The Asian Art Museum's "Shanghai: Art of the City" exhibition is the centerpiece of the celebration. In his first appearance at The Commonwealth Club, Xu, a native of Shanghai and now a naturalized American citizen, presents his perspective on the artworks on display in this major cultural exhibit, and his observation of the city’s transformation through the lens of art and visual culture. He further extends his discussion to reflect on the power of cultural diplomacy bridging cultures and nations.


MLF: Arts/Asia-Pacific Affairs/Humanities
Location:
SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost:
$12 members, $20 non-members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Anne W. Smith