“Serious Pop! Social Commentary in Asian Pop Culture,” continues with the film Beijing Bastards, a reception for the Luo Brothers exhibit, and a closing concert the man some have called the “Bruce Springsteen” of Chinese rock music.
Sponsored by East Asian Studies, the series is made possible with support from the Freeman Foundation.
Following is a chronological listing of events:
Through May 18,
Mandeville Gallery
Luo brothers exhibition:
Luo Brothers – Welcome the World Famous Brand is an exhibition of paintings by the Chinese trio of brothers Luo Weidong, Luo Weiguo, and Luo Weibing, who live and work together in Beijing. Their work blends traditional, Cultural Revolution, and consumer culture imagery in paintings that burst with color and overflow with action. This exhibition is on display at the Mandeville Gallery in the Nott Memorial. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, Noon–5 p.m.; and Sunday, Noon–10 p.m.
For details and a complete schedule, visit:
http://www.union.edu/gallery/Current.htm
May 8, 7:30 p.m.
F. W. Olin Center Auditorium
Beijing Bastards (1993, Directed by Zhang Yuan) Called the first “independent” Chinese film. The film revolves around Cui Jian, a kind of Chinese Bruce Springsteen, who also helped write the film and partly produced it. In the film, several friends and acquaintances of a woman set out to look for her after she attempted suicide for completely incomprehensible reasons. During their quest, the viewer is a witness to the different cultures in the city. A real rock 'n' roll star (Cui Jian) tries to organize a concert and is thwarted by the authorities.
May 15, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Mandeville Gallery
Luo Brothers closing reception:
Closing reception for the exhibition Luo Brothers – Welcome the World Famous Brand, at the Mandeville Gallery in the Nott Memorial.
May 16, 8 p.m.
Memorial Chapel
Cui Jian concert
Admission: $5
Cui Jian (pronounced “sway jen”) is China's most famous rock musician. The pioneer of rock music in China, Cui has sold more than 10 million records. He became a pop culture icon during and after the Tiananmen Square incident in 1989. His two most recent albums, Balls Under the Red Flag and The Power of the Powerless, received governmental criticism at home and critical acclaim outside of China. Cui has worked for years under a de facto performance ban in China, his gigs limited to a few bars in Beijing. His work explores the Chinese national character, a subject of chronic sensitivity for the Chinese government. Cui has toured in Asia, Europe, and North America. Visit www.cuijian.com.