I am a heritage speaker of Chinese: American Sinologist

Patricia Yu (2nd from right) poses with other participants during the 2016 Visiting Program for Young Sinologists. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

My dissertation particular focuses on the reproductions of the Yuanming Yuan or pieces of the Yuanming Yuan. For example, one of my chapters will address the reproduction of the Yuanming Yuan animal heads. Pictured here is contemporary artist Ai Weiwei's sculptural reproductions of the heads, displayed at the Crocker Art Museum. I am approaching these projects of reproduction as projects of translation.

They do not mindlessly replicate the form of the originals, but reinterpret them for a contemporary audience. I address how cultural artifacts and cultural heritage are continuously reinterpreted and re-evaluated. I ask how reproducing cultural artifacts and places are also a form of reproducing or challenging the body of the nation.

I look forward to spending the next three weeks with such a distinguished group of interdisciplinary scholars. I'm sure I will learn a lot from each of you and I hope that we continue to be resources for each other in our professional careers.