Focus on Faith, 2005 series

The Faiths of Asia display in the temple-like corridors of the new Asian galleries, which traces the development of Hindu and Buddhist imagery through Asian cultures, is the inspiration for the 2005 Arts of Asia lecture series. The lectures explore some of the most ancient expressions of humanity's enduring quest for harmony between heaven and earth and individual enlightenment. The perfect balance of a seated Buddha figure, the dynamic poise of a dancing Shiva and the coiled energy of ink calligraphy are all embodiments of this dualistic tension and spirituality which finds expression in painting and sculpture, architecture and gardens and in ritual and ceremony.
 

Term One

• 1 March - The Allure of the East: The Last Hundred Years
  Rachael Kohn, ABC Radio presenter The Spirit of Things and The Ark
    
• 8 March - A guide to the gods: what Indian sculpture can tell you about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
  Acharya Rami Sivan, Australian Council of Hindu Clergy 
   
• 15 March - Life of the Buddha through Gandharan art
  Mark Allon, Research Fellow, School of Philosophical and Historical Enquiry, University of Sydney
   
• 22 March - Aspects of the yogic body: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
  Haema Sivanesan, Independent curator
   
• 5 April  - Cambodia
  Helen Jessup, Independent curator and author, Art and architecture of Cambodia (World of art series)
   
• 26 April - Hinduism and the temples of Angkor
  Martin Polkinghorne, PhD candidate, Department of Archaeology, Department of Art History and Theory,University of Sydney
   
• 3 May - Batik and Kris: duality of Javanese cosmology
  Maria Wronska Friend, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, James Cook University, Cairns
   
• 10 May - Hinduism in 20th century Balinese Art
  Adrian Vickers, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Wollongong 
   
• 17 May - Crescent Moon: Islamic art of Southeast Asia
  James Bennett, Curator of Asian Art, Art Gallery of South Australia
   
• 24 May - Ancestors and Antics: village festivals in Vietnam
  Ann Proctor, PhD candidate, University of Sydney and lecturer, National Art School
   
• 31 May - All things bright and beautiful: nature worship and Asian art
  Carol Cains, Curator South and Southeast Asian Art, National Gallery of Victoria
   
• 7 June - Revision

 Term two

• 26 July - The Heart and Soul of the Gardens of China and Japan
  Graham Ross, Horticulturist, Television and Radio Broadcaster, Garden Writer and Garden Travel Director
   
• 2 August - Pilgrimage art of Asia
  Ann MacArthur, Coordinator of Asian Programs Art Gallery of New South Wales
   
• 9 August - The Buddha as colossus in Central Asia and China
  Ken Parry, Senior Research Officer, Ancient History Department, Macquarie University
   
• 16 August - Painting the desert: Buddhist cave temple painting
  Edmund Capon Director, Art Gallery of New South Wales
   
• 23 August - Christian imagery in Asian art
  Jackie Menzies, Head Curator of Asian Art, Art Gallery of New South Walesers
   
• 30 August - Islamic Architecture in Xinjiang
  Colin MacKerras, Foundation Professor of China Studies, School of International Business and Asian Studies, Griffith University
   
• 6 September - Imperial patronage in Tang dynasty Daoist art
  Liu Yang, Curator of Chinese art, Art Gallery of New South Wales
   
• 13 September - Forms of compassion: Images of Avalokitesvara
  Adrian Snodgrass, Adjunct Professor, Centre for Cultural Research, University of Western Sydney and Research Associate, University of Sydney
   
• 20 September - Bodhidharma
  Clare Pollard, Curator of Japanese art, Art Gallery of New South Wales
   
• 11 October - The sound of one hand clapping: Zen and Yoga
  Gary Hickey, Lecturer,  School of Fine Arts, Classics and Archaeology, University of Melbourne
   
• 18 October - Buddha, kami and the supernatural in Japanese scroll painting
  Chiaki Ajioka, Independent curator
   
• 25 October - Revision
   
• 8 November - Slide Test