Learn about American science fiction through the lens of Asian appropriation with Astria Suparak

Thursday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m., Vanderhoef Studio at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis

Asian futures, without Asians is a multimedia performance lecture by artist Astria Suparak, which asks: “What does it mean when so many white filmmakers envision futures inflected by Asian culture, but devoid of actual Asian people?” 

Part critical analysis, part reflective essay and sprinkled throughout with humor, justified anger, and informative morsels, this hour-long illustrated lecture examines nearly 60 years of American science fiction cinema through the lens of Asian appropriation and whitewashing.

Using a wide interpretation of “Asian” to reflect current and historical geopolitical trends and self-definitions (inclusive of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Pacific Islands—the latter two of which are not Asia), this research-creation project examines how Asian cultures have been mixed and matched, contrasted against, and conflated with each other, often creating a fungible “Asianness” in futuristic sci-fi.

Get tickets here: Astria Suparak | Mondavi Center 

Listen to harpsichord, virginal keyboard instruments at noon concert

Thursday, Oct. 24, 12:05 p.m., Recital Hall at Ann E. Pitzer Center, a Shinkoskey Noon Concert

The harpsichord and virginal were both popular keyboard instruments of the 17th century, promoting the development of soloistic keyboard works across Europe. Today, as the popularity of the harpsichord enjoys a revival, it is still rare to experience hearing the virginal in a concert setting. This performance will explore the unique sounds of both instruments and compare and contrast their distinctive roles in history.  

Program

Liz Lane: Diamond Fantasia (2020)        

William Byrd: All in a Garden Green and O Mistris Myne

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck: Fantasia Chromatica

Henry Purcell: Suite in C Major

Giovanni Battista Draghi: The Complaint

George Frideric Handel: Suite in G Minor, HWV 432

Decorate sugar skulls at the Artery

Sunday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 207 G St., Davis, free

Visit the Artery on G Street to decorate sugar skulls for Día de los Muertos. Guided by artist Ro Mottsmith, participants are encouraged to decorate a provided sugar skull (one per person) with frosting, sequins, feathers, foil, and more. All materials and fun will be provided. This event is free, suitable for all ages, and is sponsored by the City of Davis to celebrate the Artery’s 50th anniversary. 

Find out more here: Join us for making Art on G Street - Davis

See Sonic Horizons at the UC Davis Design Museum for its opening weekend

From Friday, Nov. 1 at noon; on view through Friday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m., Cruess Hall

Devised and curated by graduate student Maral Salehian, this multi-screen installation showcases nature videos centered around landscape themes. This sensory-rich immersive experience aims to promote well-being and inspire a deeper connection to nature. 

Maral Salehian is an interdisciplinary designer with a background in industrial design. In 2018, she graduated top of her class from the University of Art, Tehran. Her design practice in conceptual and formal inventiveness matured and converged in furniture design. In 2019, she attended the University of Tehran, where she studied M.A. in industrial design. During her study, she gained a deep understanding of design principles, methodology, and philosophy. She began working as a furniture designer.

The UC Davis Design Museum is a founding adopter of the Green Museums Initiative. The initiative is a set of five principles that propel museums to become environmental leaders and is administered by the California Association of Museums and the Green Museums Initiative. The Design Museum, part of the College of Letters and Science and free to the public, is in 124 Cruess Hall. 

Dance the day away at the second Musical Theatre Dance Workshop

Friday, Nov. 1, 2-4:30 p.m., Hickey Gym at UC Davis

Doria E. Charlson, visiting professor of dance, is pleased to announce the second musical theatre dance workshop on Nov. 1. Students are invited to participate and learn choreography for “Ever After,” the first act finale from the award-winning Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical Into the Woods.

The workshop will be led by Meredith Joelle Donato, an acclaimed Bay area choreographer and teaching artist. Donato has a diverse work experience that includes American Conservatory Theater, where they worked on the world premiere of A Walk on the Moon. They also served as a theater director and teaching artist at Berkeley Playhouse.

The workshop begins at 2 p.m. in the Hickey Gym. The workshop is free, but space is limited so please reserve a space here: Reserve Workshop Space.

The Sheepmowers return to campus with screenprinting opportunity too

Friday, Nov. 1, 12:10 p.m., Wellman Hall Lawn at UC Davis

Members of the UC Davis community can relax with the Sheepmowers and learn the art of Screenprinting at the same time! Bring your own T-shirt or tote bag, or you can print a poster featuring fun sheepy designs.

Register for the Screenprinting with the Sheepmowers event. Submit your interest in the survey by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. A random drawing of participants will be conducted as spots are limited. If selected, you will be contacted via the email provided. This event is limited to current UC Davis staff and academics (faculty, students, post-docs). 

Find more sessions on the Nature Rx webpage. Topics include: Birdwatching in the Arboretum, landscape design and tea, Outdoor Yoga, and more!

Attend an artist talk at the Pence Gallery

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m., free but $10 suggested donation, 212 D. Street, Davis

Alejandro Rubio is an imaginary landscape painter who has lived and worked in Davis and Oakland for about 24 years. His exhibit, currently at the Pence Gallery until Nov. 30, features adaptations of places from his childhood in South America. Rubio’s artist talk will go over his time spent learning about and creating art in Uruguay as well as how he began landscape painting with an emphasis in the Central Valley. 

For more information visit the Pence Gallery's website. 

Spend an evening with Brittney Griner at the Chancellor’s Colloquium 

Sunday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis

Brittney Griner is a pioneer, humanitarian and activist and was named as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2023.

Griner is an NCAA champion, a WNBA champion and a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Winner of the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award, and a ten-time WNBA All-Star, Griner is one of the most decorated and significant athletes of this generation. Griner’s most recent book, Coming Home, takes readers inside her shocking detention in Russia, the campaign to bring her home and how overwhelming support from family and friends kept her fighting for survival and justice.

Chancellor Gary S. May will moderate the discussion and Q&A.

Tickets are still available, get yours here: An Evening with Brittney Griner | Mondavi Center

Department of Art and Art History lecture series features Fernando Palma Rodríguez

Thursday, Nov. 7, 4:30 p.m., at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, free

Fernando Palma Rodríguez combines his training as an artist and mechanical engineer to create robotic sculptures that utilize custom software to perform complex, narrative choreographies. Central to Palma Rodríguez’s practice is an emphasis on indigenous ancestral knowledge, both as an integral part of contemporary life and a way of shaping the future.

Drawing on Aztec mythology and pictorial codices — as well as colonial histories — his works reframe language through the physical activation of these linguistic symbols. He lives in the agricultural region of Milpa Alta outside Mexico City, where he runs Calpulli Tecalco, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Nahua language and culture.

Organized by the Department of Art and Art History and supported by the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis. Co-sponsored by the Manetti Shrem Museum.

Experience magic with Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Thursday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m., Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis

“When you’re talking about Cloud Gate, ‘magic’ is not too strong a word.” Effusive praise from no less a source than Time Out magazine, reads the Mondavi Center description of this event. 

Formed in Taiwan in 1973, Cloud Gate is known for transforming ancient aesthetics into a thrilling and modern celebration of motion. Indeed, Cloud Gate could very well be compared to the story-ballet spectacle stylings of Mondavi Center favorites Ballet Preljocaj or Akram Khan.  13 Tongues is inspired by the childhood of current artistic director Cheng Tsung-lung and has been praised as “a sensationally big, indulgent, and visually arresting expression of cultural memory” (The Times).

Read the digital program PDF here and get tickets here.