Abstract: The Belgian art historian Pierre Ryckmans, better known under his pseudonym of Simon Leys, intervened in French political debates at the time of May ’68 and the waning Cultural Revolution from a position that was rare at the time—one of sustained and intimate engagement with Chinese culture. His polemics sparked intense controversy at the time, but have held up better than the glowing reports of a new Maoist civilization. Excluded from French academic institutions, he taught Chinese literature and art history at the Australian National University for decades, publishing on contemporary China as well as translating the Analects. Dr. Idier will situate the life and work of Simon Leys in the context of French-language conceptions of China.

Guest Bio: Nicolas Idier holds a PhD in Art History from the Sorbonne. His diplomatic career has taken him to China and India as cultural officer. His novels have been shortlisted for major literary awards such as the Prix Décembre, the Prix Médicis, the Prix Jean Freustié de l’Académie française, the Prix Saint-Malo/Etonnants Voyageurs and the Prix Le Figaro. Matignon la nuit (2024), his latest novel, offers a glimpse into the back corridors of power in our era of 24/7 political stagecraft. He is presently an inspector in the French Ministry of Education.

Location & Date: Social Sciences Tea Room (SSRB #201), Monday, October 28, 4:00 pm. Reception to Follow.

Please register on this link.