MEAA On Demand

Join artist Daniel Bowler to connect with your creativity and learn about the symbol of the mandala, which is prevalent throughout Asian art, culture and philosophy.

Daniel Bowler

£6

The first workshop explores the life and work of Li Bai (701 – 762), looking at his poem ‘Thoughts on a Quiet Night’. This is a poem that almost every Chinese person knows by heart and is often recited when families come together, especially at the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.

Dr Theresa Munford

£8

The second workshop explores the life and work of Wang Wei (701-761), looking at his poem ‘Deer Park’. Tang poems have been described as ‘deceptively simple’ and this poem by Wang Wei is a wonderful example.

Dr Theresa Munford

£8

The third workshop explores the life and work of Xue Tao (770–832), looking at her poem ‘Cicada’. Xue Tao is one of China’s most famous female poets. 'Cicada' is a wonderful example of her use of simple imagery from the natural world to produce a poignant allegory.

Dr Theresa Munford

£8

The fourth workshop explores the life and work of Du Fu (712 – 770), looking at his poem ‘Spring Scene’. Du Fu’s life was torn apart by war and rebellion and his poems of loss, exile and the sorrows of ordinary people have become treasured classics down the centuries.

Dr Theresa Munford

£8

The fifth workshop explores the life and work of Meng Haoran (689–740), looking at his poem ‘Overnight on Jiande River’. This poem evokes the solitary quiet of a night-time mooring as well as reflecting the poet’s engagement with Buddhist ideas of meditation and emptiness.

Dr Theresa Munford

£8

The final workshop explores the life and work of Yu Xuanji (844-871), looking at her poem ‘On the River’. Xuanji’s short life was one of extremes, from concubine to Daoist nun and finally her death by execution on the charge of murder.

Dr Theresa Munford

£8