ARTFUL Talk #3 – What’s Chinese about Chinese export wallpaper?

For this week’s ARTFUL talk, we welcome speakers Dr Rob Knifton & Dr Louise Atkinson from the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies at the University of Leeds.

The talk introduces If Walls Could Talk, a participatory art and research project led by artist-researcher Louise Atkinson. The project explored the Chinese export wallpaper at Harewood House Trust through historical research, co-produced art workshops and augmented reality.

Working with Chinese-speaking communities in Leeds, the project investigated how historic interiors can be reinterpreted in relation to contemporary experiences of migration, challenging essentialised understandings of Chinese culture.

Louise Atkinson (Visiting Research Fellow) and Rob Knifton (Associate Professor of Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage ) will also reflect on the contribution of Chinese-speaking postgraduate students in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies who supported the project through their MA placements.

*About the series*

The aim of the ARTFUL lunchtime talks series is to bring together students, postgraduate researchers and staff to showcase our culture of vibrant research and creative practice across the school and beyond.

Taking place on Monday during term time, speakers will include researchers, artists and practitioners.

Whilst primarily aimed at our school community, anyone interested in the series is welcome to join us. There is no need to book – just turn up!