MLA 2013: Reception for Gao Xingjian and Cambria Press Book Launch by Victor Mair

MLA 2013 Reception for Gao Xingjian: Professor Victor  Mair (University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Mabel Lee (University of Sydney) with Gao Xingjian.

MLA 2013 Reception (left to right): Professor Song Xiaoping (Norwich University), Toni Tan (Cambria Press), Nobel laureate Gao Xingjian, Dr. Mabel Lee (University of Sydney), and Diane Burrowes (HarperCollins).

A reception for Gao Xingjian was held on Jan 3 at the 2013 MLA annual convention. Dr. Mabel Lee commenced the reception by introducing Professor Victor  Mair, general editor of the  Cambria Sinophone World Series, who delivered an eloquent and meaningful speech about Gao Xingjian and the evolution of his work, which include his paintings, films, presentations, and writing (such as his books published with HarperCollins: Soul Mountain, One Man’s Bible, and Buying a Fishing Rod for My Grandfather), leading up to his new book Gao Xingjian: Aesthetics and Creation (which is in the Cambria Sinophone World Series). Following Professor Mair’s launch, Gao Xingjian made a speech, which was helpfully translated by Professor Song Xiaoping to the audience, which included French consulate dignitaries and scholars from all over the world. We were thrilled and honored to have Rosemary Feal, executive director of the MLA, as well! A video of the speeches will be posted, so check back in soon!

There were also two large screens that displayed slideshows of Gao Xingjian‘s famous ink paintings. Gao Xingjian’s exquisite masterpieces have been displayed at many museums and festivals, including the Prague Writers’ Festival.

There were also many MLA attendees who came specially for Gao Xingjian, including Professor Christopher Lupke (Washington State University), who organized many events, and Professor Liu Jianmei (University of Maryland), who flew in all the way from Hong Kong.

Cambria Press is deeply grateful to Mabel Lee, Song Xiaoping, Victor Mair, the French consulate, Diane Burrowes and Harper Collins, and Rosemary Feal and the wonderful MLA staff for making this incredible event happen.

A video of the speeches will be posted, so check back in soon!

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