Understanding Buddhist Art: A Journey of Cultural Connections – six online talks by Freddie Matthews
posted on 16/07/2024
In this series of six talks, Freddie Matthews discusses Buddhist philosophy, art and architecture in conjunction, as he traces the visual development of Buddhism from its ancient cradle of India to the farthest reaches of Asia.
This is an exploration of a vibrant artistic legacy that continues to resonate deeply, from the lavishly adorned cave grottoes of the Silk Roads, the intricately designed monasteries of Tibet and sublime calligraphic traditions of China, to the serene Zen gardens of Japan and shimmering gold stupas of Southeast Asia. The series delves into the philosophical and artistic traditions that underpin a range of extraordinary sites spanning over 20 countries and dating back over millennia.
They take place every Tuesday from 17th September–22nd October at 4.30pm (London) and, including Q&A, will probably last just under an hour. They are available for viewing for eight weeks after the last episode is streamed (17th December 2024).
Register for the webinar series for £75
The talks
1. The Life of the Buddha: Dawn of a Tradition (17th September 2024)
This first talk examines the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, whose story has inspired an array of extraordinary artworks across India over the past 2,500 years, along the Silk Roads and the Himalayas to China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Key artworks from the Buddhist world shed light on his transformation from prince to enlightened teacher through the lens of significant stories and symbols. We will probe the meaning of the lotus flower symbolising purity, the Bodhi tree representing awakening, the Dharma wheel signifying the teachings, and the thunderbolt embodying power.
2. Ancient India and the Early Development of Buddhist Art & Architecture (24th September 2024)
Ancient Buddhist art of the Indian subcontinent from the heartlands of India to the Hellenistic frontiers of the Gandhara is the subject of this talk, focusing on the evolution of early Buddhist art from its austere 'aniconic' beginnings to the humanistic masterpieces of ancient Afghanistan and Pakistan. Topics discussed include the influential reign of Buddhist kings like Ashoka, the emergence of the ‘Mahayana’ school of Buddhism and its accompanying iconography, the significance of stupas and their reliquaries and the marvels of early cave temples such as Ajanta. The talk will also examine the codification of Buddhist iconography during the Gupta period and the final Buddhist empire of ancient India – the Palas of Bihar and Bengal.
3. Journeys to the Silk Roads: Exploring Chinese Buddhist Art (1st October 2024)
The sand-dunes of Central Asia and the towering pagodas of Xian are visited in this whistle-stop tour of Chinese Buddhist art. This lecture will consider the evolution of Buddhist artistic expression in China, from its introduction along the Silk Road to its profound integration into Chinese culture. We will delve into the magnificent cave temples of Dunhuang and Longmen, the elegant sculptures of the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, and the exquisite paintings and calligraphy of the Song and Ming periods. The talk presents a visual journey through centuries of spiritual and artistic transformation to show how Buddhist art in China reflects a unique blend of indigenous and foreign influences.
4. Unveiling the Himalayas: Secrets of Tibetan Tantra and its Artistic Legacy (8th October 2024)
In the fourth talk we journey to the Himalayas, the cradle of Tibetan Tantra (Vajrayana Buddhism). This is an exploration of the powerful spiritual path that unfolded, not just in Tibet, but across the wider Himalayan region, with a glimpse into its influence on Mongolia and even Russia. The unique artistic expressions born from this tradition have been shaped by profound spiritual practices and rich cultural exchanges. The majestic monasteries and stupas that punctuate the Himalayan landscape, and the mantras that reverberate through their walls, are all testament to an energetic living tradition.
5. A Sea Change: Buddhist Art's Refinement in Japan & Korea (15th October 2024)
The metamorphosis of Buddhist art as it crossed the East Sea (Sea of Japan) from ancient China to its arrival in Korea and Japan, created unique expressions in each nation. Witness the evolution of serene Japanese Zen paintings, the grandeur of Korean pagodas and the exquisite details adorning Japanese temple architecture and sculpture. These art forms transcend mere aesthetics as a captivating reflection of Buddhism's deep integration into the cultural and spiritual life of both Korea and Japan. The rich tapestry woven from indigenous traditions and imported artistic influences is mezmerising.
6. A Cultural Mosaic: Buddhist Art Across Southeast Asia (22nd October 2024)
The final lecture celebrates the mosaic of Buddhist art traditions across Southeast Asia. It will consider how local traditions and cultural influences have shaped the diverse expressions of Buddhism, from majestic architecture to detailed iconography. Looking at Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar (Burma), this talk admires the awe-inspiring scale of ancient Khmer temples, the shimmering beauty of Thai wats and the intricate details adorning Laotian stupas. In Vietnam, we contemplate the elegance of Buddhist pagodas, in Myanmar, the fascinating artistic legacy of Buddhism. Join us for an exploration of a vibrant artistic legacy that continues to resonate deeply across the largest continent in the world.
Image: Monks and Nuns follow Pradakshina at Borobudur, Java, Indonesia. Photo: Heri Nugroho
The speaker
Freddie Matthews
Cultural Heritage Curator at the National Trust. He was formerly Head of Adult Programmes at the British Museum and Director of Programmes at The Conduit Club in Covent Garden. He has worked at the V&A, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Bagri Foundation, as well as several established art galleries. He is an independent scholar specialising in Buddhist art across Asia, and regularly gives lectures on the subject in the UK and abroad.
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