Harvard Association for US-China Relations Second annual symposium: ‘The art of representing China’ Trevor H. Simon Invitational lecture: ‘Becoming un-Executed’ 3 rd April 2010 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ABSTRACT: Sociological interpretations of selected Chinese & American modern and contemporary art and their spiritual utility for the self and society Making use of selected Chinese and American modern and contemporary art imagery, Mr Simon will suggest a number of comparative interpretations to draw a deeply personal narrative, and will correlate these images with economic, financial and sociological data to posit spiritual linkages between art, finance and the self. Attention will be given to the real world relevance of selected imagery as it relates to the healthiness of a society, the conduct of the individual and the implications for the state of trust and fear within the self. It is hoped that this early stage work will enliven the wider debate as to the relevance of art imagery, the risks inherent in any copycatting of American norms in a Chinese context, and the leadership opportunities arising. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________