Dear SSJ-Forum member,
The Department of East Asian Studies - Japanese Studies at the University of Vienna would like to draw your attention to the upcoming hybrid u:japan lecture:

Svitlana Shiells:
"Meoto Iwa: The Shinto Rocks that Influenced Gustav Klimt's Key Canvases"

Date and time: Thursday, January 18, 2024, 18:00~19:30 (CET, UTC/GMT +1h)

Location: Onsite @ Campus of the University of Vienna - Department of East Asian Studies, Japanese Studies room JAP 1 (2K-EG-21), University Campus Hof 2.4, Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
https://japanologie.univie.ac.at/index.php?id=23548#c646040

Online: Join the lecture via Zoom (no registration necessary):
https://univienna.zoom.us/j/68870889769?pwd=WDAxNUhITEdaNGluS0dFTE5jM3MrZz09
Meeting ID: 688 7088 9769 | PW: 129471
The Zoom Meeting will be open from 17:45 (CET).

Abstract: The two rocks of the famous Shinto monument Meoto Iwa, a symbol of divine marriage, have inspired many Japanese and foreign visitors. One of those so inspired was Austrian art collector Adolf Fischer, who developed a strong interest in Japanese art after visiting the Weltausstellung 1873 in Vienna. In his book "Bilder aus Japan", Fischer offers an arresting description of Meoto Iwa, accompanied by a small illustration. Gustav Klimt, who had a close and productive relationship with Fischer, not only knew his book but also - and not without Fischer's help - assembled his own collection of Japanese art. This paper argues that Fischer's engaging account of Meoto Iwa in the book (as well as undoubtedly in his private conversations with the artist) inspired a series of Klimt's key paintings. 
Offering an analytical approach and, accordingly, critically reevaluating and reexamining prevailing concepts, this lecture by Svitlana Shiells (National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C, USA) illuminates not only Klimt's interest in Shinto and its symbolism but also elucidates that without taking in account the role of Japonisme in Klimt's oeuvre it is impossible to fully understand the intricacy of his complex art.

For more information on the speaker, the lecture and future events at u:japan, please follow the link below:
https://japanologie.univie.ac.at/ujapanlectures/

We look forward to your participation!
Christopher Kummer, Astrid Unger and Ralf Windhab

PS: If you missed a lecture or want to review, head to our recorded lectures section:
https://japanologie.univie.ac.at/ujapanlectures/records/

u:japan lectures
Department of East Asian Studies / Japanese Studies at the
University of Vienna
E-mail: ujapanlectures.ostasien@univie.ac.at

Kindly sponsored by the Toshiba International Foundation:
https://www.toshibafoundation.com/