China:Birth and belonging

A curated evening of performance and is followed by a day of discussion and learning. International experts will explore the complex nature of Chinese identity. There will be sessions on ancient ideas of the body, individualisms, the diaspora, and contemporary biomedical ethics and science - as well as plenty of time for audience debate.

With a population of over 1.3 billion, China is the most populous country in the world. Chinese ideas of family and the individual differ dramatically from those we see in the 'Identity' exhibition. In various ancient philosophies, a person's essence is founded in their interaction with the world. Life does therefore not begin at conception, but at birth. In traditional medicine the body is influenced by inheritance, the environment and also Qi ('breath of life').

How do these ideas influence an individual's sense of identity and belonging? By casting our thought to another nation, can we learn anything new about our own?

We have invited Sally Lai, Chief Executive Officer at the Chinese Arts Centre, to curate a special performance in Wellcome Collection on the Friday evening. There will also be an opportunity to see the 'Identity' exhibition and meet the curators.

On Saturday an international panel of speakers will explore the complex nature of Chinese identity. There will be sessions on ancient ideas of the body, individualisms, the diaspora, and contemporary biomedical ethics and science - as well as plenty of time for audience discussion.

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