In April 2025, the Department of Arts and Design hosted two lectures as part of the “Art and Academic Series,” centers on the intricate interaction between art and academic. Although these lectures may seem to transcend traditional art boundaries, they actually delve deep into the core of art. By examining celestial phenomena and costume knowledge in Qing Dynasty paintings, alongside the philosophical theories of Zhuangzi, the interdisciplinary academic dialogues broke free from conventional frameworks and introduced fresh perspectives to art theory research. This fusion of historical inquiry, philosophical speculation, and art appreciation highlighted art’s broad application in the humanities and social domains, paving the way for a more extensive space in art theory research.
On April 16th, Professor Chen Fang from the Beijing Fashion Institute delivered a lecture, chaired by Professor Wang Yudong, Distinguished professor of the Department of Arts and Design. Professor Chen explored the theme of “Twelve Dragon Flags” in the “大駕鹵簿圖書” (Illustrated Catalog of the Imperial Wardrobe), discussing the ‘objects’ deification and its symbolic system, as well as how the structural patterns emulate astrological diagrams. Through in-depth deconstruction and integration of Taoist and astronomical knowledge, Professor Chen unveiled the symbolic system embedded in the “大駕鹵簿圖書” injecting an interdisciplinary perspective into the study of art history and opening up new research avenues for students, to explore uncharted academic territories.
On April 18th, Professor Zhang Qiqun from Peking University presented his research titled “Zhuangz’s Five Arguments for the Unknowability of the World”, with Professor Li Jun, the head of the Department of Arts and Design at the University of Macau, as the host. The event culminated in a vibrant panel discussions featuring Professor Lin Shaoyang from the Department of History, Professor Zhang Ying and Professor Wang Qingjie from the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, all from the University of Macau. The content of the lecture drawn from Professor Zhang’s seminal work “Silent Thunder: Philosophical Arguments in Zhuangzi”. As one of the most profound skeptical philosophies in the history of philosophy, Professor Zhang’s study provided rich arguments through five cases. After the lecture, the three discussants engaged in in-depth exchanges with Professor Zhang, offering their professional perspectives on the reconstruction of Zhuangzi’s philosophy. The intellectual collisions will elevate intellectual art to a new level, enriching the academic legacy of the Department of Arts and Design.
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