TAASA Review Issues

We leap into this new year with a focus on China. It bodes well for TAASA that the Year of the Rabbit brings an emphasis on art, music and aesthetic pursuits. Following the exhausting Year of the Tiger, Chinese astrologers say that this year is likely to be more calm and well-mannered. It will be a good year for creative work and those dealing in arts and beauty should do well as the Rabbit breeds indulgence and good taste. As the Rabbit emphasises persuasion rather than force this year will allow changes in tense situations and progress in justice and reconciliation.

If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit you are in the company of the ancient sage Confucius himself. Or perhaps you identify more with Frank Sinatra, Albert Einstein, Andy Warhol or Queen Victoria amongst some of the more famous entertaining, quick and elegant Rabbits. Rabbits have a refined sense of style and are also likely to be highly acquisitive. You may be known for the way you dress or the beautiful objects that fill your home. Rabbits have a social nature and are sensitive to others but in your calm you may seem aloof. Rabbits manage to avoid conflict and adversity and are generally popular. As a partner you can be sentimental and faithful if a bit distracted by friends and picky about food, clothing and surroundings. This is the Rabbit’s year in the limelight and an auspicious one for career, finances and enjoying friends.

With our focus on China in this issue we are pleased to include papers from past TAASA events. David Clarke of Hong Kong University was the keynote speaker at our Contemporary Asian Art Forum and writes in this issue on the transformation of public spaces in Hong Kong and Tiananmen. Artist Ah Xian also spoke at the forum about the development of his approach and his talk is reproduced here along with images of his recent work in porcelain. At last we are also able to publish Chris Hall’s enthusiastic account of collecting Chinese textiles from the TAASA symposium on Chinese dress in 1997. We continue our close relationship with the Centre for Asian Art Studies in presenting Jessica Rawson’s paper on Chinese ritual vessels, a part of her lecture at the Centre’s symposium on Asian bronzes last September.

Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat TAASA events organisers have produced another exciting 1999 program. For details on music in Sydney, films in Melbourne and Japanese art in Adelaide, don’t miss our Members’ Diary on page 27. Rabbits also enjoy luxury, wining and dining, so watch out for more hare-raising adventures this year.