June 29, 2012

On Wednesday morning the opening session of the seminar on the future of Chinese literature was held at the Wei Hing Theatre, City University of Hong Kong. It started with speeches by Professor Way Kuo, Professor Cheng Pei-kai, Dr Wu Zhiliang and Mr Poon Yiu Ming, followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony and short presentations by scholars, writers and translators.

The theme ‘prospect of Chinese literature’ was reviewed from various aspects such as language, location and background. Emphasis was put on the increasing importance of the Chinese language throughout the world; the knowledge of classical Chinese literature; an awareness of the major differences in Chinese literature from region to region and finally, the need of translation into foreign languages to gain exposure to the world.

Written by: Audrey

June 20, 2012

Next week there will be a two day seminar on Chinese literature, entitled: 兩岸四地－「世界華文文學前瞻」講座 (Prospects of Chinese Literature in the World—China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao). Many renowned names in the literary and translation world will be participating, including Taiwanese authors Yu Guangzhong, Li Ang and Chen Ruoxi; American translators Howard Goldblatt and Sylvia Li-chun Lin, Swedish sinologist Torbjörn Loden, mainland scholar Chen Sihe, Hong Kong author Lawrence Pun, and many many others.

The programme will start on Wednesday 27 June with an opening session at the Wei Hing Theatre, City University of Hong Kong, followed by discussions on Chinese literature in two parallel sessions in the afternoon (see website for details of time and venue). Then all the authors, translators and scholars will be moving to Macao where discussions resume at the Macao Science Center on Friday 29 June 2012.

The event is hosted by the Hong Kong Ming Pao Monthly, Chinese Civilisation Centre of the City University of Hong Kong, the Macao Foundation and the Federation of Hong Kong Writers. More information please see the website (in Chinese). All are welcome but remember that online registration by 25 June 2012 is required.

Written by: Audrey

June 14, 2012

A follow up on yesterday’s post: the exhibition was moved to the Purple Zone of Academic I. The set up is the same but it feels different now that it is inside. Away from the wind and the rain.

You can visit the exhibition at CityU daily until 22 June between 10am and 6pm while the opening hours of the Hong Kong Arts Centre are 10am to 8pm daily, except for 2 July 2012 when it closes early at 5pm.

Written by: Audrey

June 13, 2012

Last night I watched ‘The Works’ on TVB Pearl which introduced the exhibition of photographs by Liu Xia. Liu, a photographer, artist and poet, is the wife of jailed Chinese rights activist Liu Xiaobo. To my surprise they said that the exhibition was held at CityU. But when I checked the university website I could not find any information about it.

From the images on television, it looked like the photos were on display in the area called ‘Covered Terrace’. So that is where I headed for this morning and where I took some pictures for Pulse. It is a very small exhibition space with the photos placed on the floor instead of up on a wall. The cramped space makes it difficult to get a clear view of the photos but it does enhance the feeling of discomfort that the haunting images of the ugly babies exude.

For those interested in Liu Xia’s photography, please read the essay ‘Freedom Reflex: The Photographs of Liu Xia’ by A. D. Coleman, written for the catalogue of the 2012 Hong Kong showing of this exhibition, available here. Another article is on the display of Liu Xia’s photos in New York earlier this year, see ‘Underground Chinese Artist Liu Xia on Exhibit at the Italian Academcy’ by Laura Itzkowitz here.

The exhibition at CityU runs till 23 June and will then move to the Hong Kong Arts Centre where the photos will be displayed from 25 June till 2 July 2012.

Written by: Audrey

June 4, 2012

Right at the entrance of CityU, when you enter Academic I, you will see a large statue of the Goddess of Democracy standing in front of the library. At the foot it says 北1989.6.4 Beijing京 to commemorate June Fourth. Hanging up high there is a banner of the same goddess with the characters: 平反六四 [redress June Fourth].

Over the years the event has become increasingly important. Many are gathering to meet at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay where the annual candlelight vigil will take place tonight at 8 pm. As the website of the Hong Kong Alliance  indicates ‘the candlelight vigil will commemorate those who were killed in the June 4 massacre and express our determination to succeed in realising their goals.’

Recently a temporary June 4 Memorial Musuem was set up to salvage historical evidence. Although it is only open from 29 April to 10 June 2012, it is meant to lay the foundation for establishing a permanent one in future. Discontent and fear is reflected in the anger among local people, in particular over the attitude of CY Leung, the incumbent CE who will start taking office in July. It is clear that by evading questions about June Fourth, he is trying to steer away from trouble.

Written by: Audrey