“Art in Contested Political and Cultural Terrains, Asia”

Excessive military presence of the state in various regions of Asia has led to protracted conflicts, violence and resistance. Four artists from such conflict-laden regions—Kashmir, Tibet, Timor Leste, and Cambodia—will be at Columbia University to discuss the role of the arts in addressing the issues of identity, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and displacement in militarized societies. Through the rich lenses of rap music, art installations, and painting, the artists will highlight the special role of arts as a potent means to maintain historical identity, create shared memory, develop effective protest strategies, and help with healing processes against the backdrop of militarized regimes.

Held as part of the “Politics of Visual Arts” research project of the Committee on Global Thought, this panel discussion with artists will be moderated by Vishakha N. Desai, project leader and Committee Vice Chair. The artists’ visit is made possible through the support of the Association for Asian Studies and Asian Cultural Council.

Registration for this event is required to attend.  To register, and for full information, visit

<https://cgt.columbia.edu/cgt-events/cgt-art/>.