From Perfumed Gardens to Industrial Landscapes: Artistic Engagements with Nature in Past and Present Asia

For many centuries, the magnificent mountain ranges and rich fertile plains that stretch across the continent of Asia have invited myriad artistic engagements in the forms of sculpture, painting, and monumental architecture. However, rapid industrialization and urban expansion in recent years have threatened the historic landscapes, inciting responses from artists who have become advocates for protecting the natural environment. This presentation will look at both (1) the rich histories of landscape in Asian art and (2) the ways in which artists have been drawing from past traditions to draw public attention to the importance of preserving nature.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Image Source: (1) Detail of a peacock from an illustrated manuscript of the Baburnama, India, c. late 16th century (Walters Art Museum)