Art in Contested Political and Cultural Terrains, Asia
Wednesday March 27, 2019 · 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Columbia University – Faculty House – Seminar Room 1, 2nd floor
- MC Kash, Hip-hop singer from Kashmir
- Tenzing Rigdol, Painter, poet, visual artist from Tibet
- Maria Madeira, Painter, visual artist from Timor-Leste
- Seckon Leang, Painter, performer and visual artist from Cambodia
Excessive military presence of the state in various regions of Asia has led to protracted conflicts, violence and resistance. Four artists from such conflict-laden regions—Kashmir, Tibet, Timor Leste, and Cambodia—will be at Columbia University to discuss the role of the arts in addressing the issues of identity, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and displacement in militarized societies. Through the rich lenses of rap music, art installations, and painting, the artists will highlight the special role of arts as a potent means to maintain historical identity, create shared memory, develop effective protest strategies, and help with healing processes against the backdrop of militarized regimes.
Held as part of the “Politics of Visual Arts” research project of the Committee on Global Thought, this panel discussion with artists was moderated by Vishakha N. Desai, project leader and Committee Vice Chair. The artists’ visit was made possible through the support of the Association for Asian Studies and Asian Cultural Council.
Photo Gallery
- CGT Vice Chair Vishakha N. Desai introduces panelists
- Tenzing Rigdol responds to moderator’s question
- Attendee asks question