Objects of Addiction: Collecting Chinese Art—Past, Present, and Future

Why do the Harvard Art Museums have a collection of Chinese art? In conjunction with the exhibition Objects of Addiction: Opium, Empire, and the Chinese Art Trade, curators and specialists will explore early collecting of Chinese art in Massachusetts, historical interpretations of cultural heritage, and how contemporary museum collecting practices have changed and will continue to change in the future.

Objects of Addiction: Opium, Empire, and the Chinese Art Trade (September 15, 2023–January 14, 2024) explores the entwined histories of the opium trade and the Chinese art market between the late 18th and early 20th centuries. These two commodities—acquired through both legal and illicit means—had profound effects on the global economy, public health, immigration law, education, and the arts that are reverberating still today.

Moderator:

Soyoung Lee, Landon and Lavinia Clay Chief Curator, Harvard Art Museums

Speakers:

Nancy Berliner, Wu Tung Senior Curator of Chinese Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Amy Brauer, Curator of the Collection, Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, Harvard Art Museums

Sarah Laursen, Alan J. Dworsky Associate Curator of Chinese Art, Harvard Art Museums

Lisong Liu, Professor of History, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Before and after the lecture, guests are invited to visit the exhibition on Level 3.

Free admission, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The lecture will take place in Menschel Hall, Lower Level. Doors will open for seating at 1:30pm.

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