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The Center for Southeast Asian Studies organizes and sponsors a number of events such as lectures, film screening, workshops, symposia, conferences, exhibits, and performances throughout the year.  Several of these events are in collaboration with other U-M units, and are often free and open to the public. To see what we have planned for this semester, please visit our 2020 Lecture Series page.

Friday Lecture Series. Lao Murals in Northeast Thailand

Bonnie Brereton, Ph.D, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Friday, October 12, 2018
11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Room 110 Weiser Hall Map
Research on temple murals in Thailand has focused on those commissioned by the rich and famous—royalty, nobility, or wealthy entrepreneurs—in historic centers of power, such as Auytthaya, Thonburi, Bangkok and to a lesser extent the northern Lanna kingdom. Little has been written in either Thai or English about the unique early 20th century murals of ethnic Lao people in the Northeast, a region also known as Isan. These murals, rather than being inferior copies of those in the central region, are inspired by local Buddhist stories and practices and are executed with a verve and vision unique to their creators. Among their most distinctive characteristics are their diverse compositions and their location on the exterior of ordination halls.

Located in villages rather than provincial capitals, these humble murals are not well-known even in Isan. However, Wat Chaisi, a temple in a village 20 kilometers from Khon Kaen city is quickly becoming famous as a model of preservation, education, and Buddhist celebrations and is even being advertised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The talk will include pictures of many murals and summaries of the stories depicted.

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The following text will be included on all II events unless you indicate otherwise:If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend this event, please reach out to us at least 2 weeks in advance of this event. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange. Contact: alibyrne@umich.edu
Building: Weiser Hall
Event Type: Lecture / Discussion
Tags: History, Lecture, Research, Southeast Asia
Source: Happening @ Michigan from Center for Southeast Asian Studies, History of Art, International Institute, Asian Languages and Cultures