Symposium 2003:

Culture, Art, Religion:
吳 歷 Wu Li (1632-1718) and his Inner Journey

outstanding seventeenth-century Chinese painter and poet from Jiangsu.

Dates: November 27, 28, 29, 2003.

Venue: Pousada de Mongha, Macau.

Language: Chinese (Putonghua) or English.
(simultaneous translation)

Presentation

The decline and fall of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the coming to power of the Manchu Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) caused a dispersal of many eminent scholars who, loyal to the Ming, chose to become recluse painters and poets.

Wu Li, courtesy name 漁 山 Yushan, one of the "Six Masters of Early Qing," lived his life during this period of historical and spiritual turmoil. His tireless quest for the True Way of Heaven led him in 1681 to the Jesuit College of St. Paul in Macao. Later on, as a Jesuit, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1688.

The forthcoming Symposium would like to get a closer look at the cultural, spiritual and historical background of Wu Li's time, as well as focus on his journey as painter, poet and Christian author.

Main Themes

1. Cultural background of Wu Li's time.
2. Relationship between painting and calligraphy in literati works.
3. Wu Li's poetry.
4. Use of music and ritual in religious practice in China at the time of Wu Li.
5. Spiritual quest and conversion in Early Qing: a search for meaning?