April 20, 2023

Online Gallery Talk
Presented in conjunction with None Whatsoever: Zen Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection 

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Mention the word “Zen” nowadays and people may think they know what you mean—the concept of Zen has become familiar enough that the term has entered the vernacular. This spring, several museum exhibitions across the country take a closer look at Zenga, or Japanese Zen painting, and tell a more complete story of Zen’s background and meaning: of Zen Buddhism’s precepts, key figures, and fascinating artworks.

This discussion looks at how Zen was introduced to the United States and the pivotal role of art in why Zen gained such traction in the popular imagination. Hear from those involved in mounting these exhibitions and from collectors whose love of Japanese Zen painting and calligraphy made such exhibitions possible.

• Bradley Bailey, Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Curator of Asian Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• Paul Berry, independent scholar based in Kyoto
• Kurt Gitter and Alice Yelen Gitter, Japanese art collectors and museum patrons
• Yukio Lippit, Jeffrey T. Chambers and Andrea Okamura Professor of History of Art and Architecture, Harvard University
• Morgan Pitelka, Bernard L. Herman Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Deptartment of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Moderator: Joan Mirviss, art expert and dealer, Joan B Mirviss LTD, New York