Lecture | Zenga: A New History
Yukio Lippit, co-curator, None Whatsoever: Zen Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection
Hakuin Ekaku, Giant Daruma, 18th century, hanging scroll; ink on paper, collection of Dr. Kurt Gitter and Alice Yelen Gitter.
Lecture | Zenga: A New History
Presented by co-curator Yukio Lippit to complement None Whatsoever: Zen Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection
On the opening day of None Whatsoever: Zen Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection, this lecture offers an introduction to the exhibition. The talk explores the long-lasting impact Zen monk Hakuin Etaku (1686–1769) had on Japanese Zen Buddhist practice through his teachings, calligraphy, and paintings. In addition to a significant repertoire of artworks by Hakuin, the exhibition features selections representing artists influenced by Hakuin’s work into the 20th century.
About the Speaker
Yukio Lippit is the Jeffrey T. Chambers and Andrea Okamura Professor of the History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University. He specializes in Japanese painting, and his publications include Painting of the Realm: The Kano House of Painters in 17th-Century Japan; Japanese Zen Buddhism and the Impossible Painting; and The Artist in Edo.
Plan Your Visit
The discussion takes place in Lynn Wyatt Theater in the Kinder Building, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. The exhibition is on view in the Beck Building. This program and entry to the exhibition are included with general admission. On Sundays, the Museum is open 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Visiting Guidelines In the interest of your personal safety and community health, please observe all precautions set forth by the MFAH—learn more here.
Learning and Interpretation programs receive generous funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services; Samuel H. Kress Foundation; The Brown Foundation, Inc.; Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; Houston Junior Woman’s Club; Sharon G. Dies; Sterling-Turner Foundation; Susan Vaughan Foundation; and additional generous donors.
“None Whatsoever: Zen Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection” is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Generous support is provided by:
Luther King Capital Management
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Anne and Albert Chao
Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas)
Eddie and Chinhui Allen
Mr. and Mrs. Russell M. Frankel
Kathy and Glen Gondo
Milton D. Rosenau, Jr. and Dr. Ellen R. Gritz
Miwa Sakashita and Dr. John R. Stroehlein
Nanako and Dale Tingleaf