Campus Digest

Professor Chang Chuen Memorial Public Lecture discusses the tale of Zhang Baozai and Luis Chan’s paintings

Monday, 28 April 2025

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Professor Robert Antony explores how folklore and legend have shaped public memory of Zhang Baozai, the Cantonese pirate.
Professor Kuiyi Shen examines how the late Hong Kong Artiest Luis Chan’s work offers rich commentary on Hong Kong’s cultural landscape in the latter half of the 20th century.

 

The Department of History held the Professor Chang Chuen Memorial Public Lecture Series on 5 March and 1 April, delivered by Professor Robert Antony, retired Professor of the Guangzhou University, and Professor Kuiyi Shen, Professor of Asian Art History, Theory, and Criticism of the University of California, San Diego, respectively. The lectures attracted over 200 members of the public, students, and faculty members online and offline.

Professor Robert Antony presented a talk titled “The Invention of Zhang Baozai, the Pirate.” Drawing from archival materials and oral traditions, he explored how folklore and legend have shaped public memory of Zhang Baozai, the infamous Cantonese pirate of the early 19th century. 

Professor Kuiyi Shen delivered a lecture titled “Luis Chan and His Hong Kong Kaleidoscope.” He examined how the late Hong Kong Artiest Luis Chan’s fantastical work offers rich commentary on Hong Kong’s cultural landscape in the latter half of the 20th century. 

Professor Chang Chuen is the late Founding Head of the Department of History. The Lecture Series was established in 2001 with generous donations from Professor Chang’s family, former students, and colleagues, in memory of his significant contributions to the Department and to the field of history. The inaugural lecture was delivered in 2004, and so far, the 34th lecture has been held.