Lecture by Arnold Lehman, given at Florida International University, October 13, 2000

Arnold Lehman discusses how the Brooklyn Museum influenced him and others though annecdotal stories and shares the new mission and the new direction for cultivating increased interest and visitation to the museum by exploring the museum's history. He also discusses the exhibit Sensation, a collection of contemporary art owned by Charles Saatchi, which generated controversy in New York when it was first exhibited at the museum in 1997. FIU President Modesto Maidique introduces Dahlia Morgan. Introduction by Dahlia Morgan.

Lecture by Albelardo Morell, given at Florida International University, January 16, 2004

Albelardo Morell shares some of his photographs, including some of his earliest works, and talks about his growth as an artist over the years. Introduction by Dahlia Morgan.

Lecture by Joel Shapiro, given at Florida International University, December 7, 2008

Joel Shapiro discusses the inspiration behind his works as well as how he constructs his works. Introduction by Carol Damien.

Lecture by Claude Viallat, given at Florida International University, November 10, 2011

Claude Viallat talks about his early life and shares the stories behind some of his newer works. Introduction by Carol Damian.

Lecture by Xu Bing, given at Florida International University, February 21, 2015

Xu Bing talks about his work and exhibitions and shares images of his works. Introduction by Lidu Yi. Comments by Jordana Pomeroy.

Lecture by Melissa Chiu, given at Florida International University, March 4, 2015

Melissa Chiu's talk focuses on the making of a museum in the 21st century. Comments by Jordana Pomeroy. Introduction by Richard Kurin.

Lecture by Christo, given at Florida International University, February 11, 2011

Christo shares images of projects completed by himself and Jeanne-Claude and shares some of the stories associated with the works. Introduction by Carol Damian.

Lecture by Albert Paley, given at Florida International University, December 9, 2012

Albert Paley talks about the evolution of his studio and his work. Introduction by Carol Damian.

Post-Revolutionary Post-Modernism: Central American Detective Fiction by the Turn of the 21st Century

Contemporary Central American fiction has become a vital project of revision of the tragic events and the social conditions in the recent history of the countries from which they emerge. The literary projects of Sergio Ramirez (Nicaragua), Dante Liano (Guatemala), Horacio Castellanos Moya (El Salvador), and Ramon Fonseca Mora (Panama), are representative of the latest trends in Central American narrative. These trends conform to a new literary paradigm that consists of an amalgam of styles and discourses, which combine the testimonial, the historical, and the political with the mystery and suspense of noir thrillers. Contemporary Central American noir narrative depicts the persistent war against social injustice, violence, criminal activities, as well as the new technological advances and economic challenges of the post-war neo-liberal order that still prevails throughout the region. Drawing on postmodernism theory proposed by Ihab Hassan, Linda Hutcheon and Brian MacHale, I argued that the new Central American literary paradigm exemplified by Sergio Ramirez’s El cielo llora por mí, Dante Liano’s El hombre de Montserrat, Horacio Castellanos Moya’s El arma en el hombre and La diabla en el espejo, and Ramon Fonseca Mora’s El desenterrador, are highly structured novels that display the characteristic marks of postmodern cultural expression through their ambivalence, which results from the coexistence of multiple styles and conflicting ideologies and narrative trends. The novels analyzed in this dissertation make use of a noir sensitivity in which corruption, decay and disillusionment are at their core to portray the events that shaped the modern history of the countries from which they emerge. The revolutionary armed struggle, the state of terror imposed by military regimes and the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, are among the major themes of these contemporary works of fiction, which I have categorized as perfect examples of the post-revolutionary post-modernism Central American detective fiction at the turn of the 21st century.

The Buddhist Coleridge: Creating Space for The Rime of the Ancient Mariner within Buddhist Romantic Studies

The popularization of academic spaces that combine Buddhist philosophy with the literature of the Romantic period – a discipline I refer to as Buddhist Romantic Studies – have exposed the lack of scholarly attention Samuel Taylor Coleridge and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner have received within such studies. Validating Coleridge’s right to exist within Buddhist Romantic spheres, my thesis argues that Coleridge was cognizant of Buddhism through historical and textual encounters. To create a space for The Rime within Buddhist Romantic Studies, my thesis provides an interpretation of the poem that centers on the concept of prajna, or wisdom, as a vital tool for cultivating the mind. Focusing on prajna, I argue that the Mariner’s didactic story traces his cognitive voyage from ignorance to enlightenment. By examining The Rime within the framework of Buddhism, readers will also be able to grasp the importance of cultivating the mind and transcending ignorance.

2 Black Planes

Combined media on photographic paper. 78½" x 56" Ruth and Jake Bloom Collection

Oriente

Combined media on photographic paper. 89¼" x 56", Jargomatique Series.

Rocket Lure

Combined media on aluminum sculpture. 115½" Tall, Jargomatique Series.

Rocket Lure (Detail)

Combined media on aluminum sculpture. 115½" Tall, Jargomatique Series.

Series Circuit

Combined media on photographic paper. 47¾" x 38¾", Jargomatique Series. Private Collection