Tales of the Tower

Tales of the Tower: Legends and Representations of Chinese Pagodas

Tuesday, 8 October 2024, 7–8pm
ACM Ngee Ann Auditorium

Click here to register: https://go.gov.sg/talesofthetower

This talk delves into the rich cultural tapestry surrounding Chinese pagodas, focusing on the stories, symbols, and images they have inspired throughout history. From ancient legends that imbue these towers with mystical qualities to artistic representations in paintings and photographs, the pagoda has transcended its architectural origins to become a powerful symbol in Chinese culture. This talk will explore how pagodas have been imagined, reinterpreted, and immortalised in various forms of cultural expression, revealing the many layers of meaning that Chinese pagodas have come to embody.

About the speaker

Puay-peng Ho holds the UNESCO Chair on Architectural Heritage Conservation and Management in Asia and is professor of architecture at the Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore. His research deals with architectural history and conservation practice, and how knowledge can be translated into teaching and practice. His main focus is the Buddhist architecture and rituals of medieval China and Japan. Before joining NUS in 2017, Puay-peng was a professor of architecture and director of the School of Architecture at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He works as conservation consultant and architect in Hong Kong and Singapore.

About the moderator

Kevin Lam is curator of Chinese Art at the Asian Civilisations Museum. He holds a PhD in Art History from Northwestern University, specialising in Chinese painting. Kevin began his curatorial career at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Before joining ACM, he played a key role in launching Tai Kwun Contemporary in Hong Kong, and worked at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where he oversaw the design and contemporary art galleries. In addition to painting and calligraphy, Kevin is interested in Chinese decorative arts and their connections with neighbouring cultures.


^{Images
Left: Model of the Glazed-Tile Pagoda of the Da Bao’en Temple (Porcelain Pagoda). Tushanwan Workshop, Shanghai, 1912–14. Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, 130439.
Right: The reconstructed pagoda in 2015.}

The Pagoda Odyssey Talks series is organised in conjunction with the special exhibition, Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco.