During the event, guest speaker Mr. Qiao Hongkai elaborated on Aby Warburg's astronomical research and explained how Warburg pioneered iconology as a dynamic intellectual field, bridging art history and the history of science. He also noted that in today’s image-saturated world, the method of thinking illustrated in Warburg’s Mnemosyne Atlas offers a vital approach to understanding visual culture. Concurrently held at Fangsuo Commune was an exhibition showcasing Warburg’s iconology, where his panels functioned not only as academic tools but also as spaces for exploring human memory and emotion. Presenting this ‘spiritual landmark of Western art history’, the exhibition served as a dialogue across time and space - reviving Warburg’s idea of public intellectual engagement and reaffirming the relevance of his thought in the contemporary era.
Mr. Wang Hai, interdisciplinary artist and honourary curator of JinYue - Kinderbibliothek, shared the inspiration behind this exhibition. He highlighted the significance of Mnemosyne Atlas panels for the development of iconology and for understanding today’s so-called ‘image era’. With the advent of the self-media age, society has moved beyond merely viewing images to collectively producing them. Initially, we celebrated this shift as it empowered individuals with new means of expression. However, over the past decade of self-media's rise, we have come to realise that beneath the abundance of imagery and experience lies a certain void—an honest reflection of our times. Through Warburg’s panels, another kind of relationship with images is revealed—one that inspires us to reexamine today’s overwhelming visual flow through our own lens and to reflect more deeply on its meaning.
Guest speaker Mr. Liang Zhonghe, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the Department of Philosophy, Sichuan University, approached the topic from the perspective of intellectual and cultural history, offering an in-depth analysis of the evolving concept of ‘image’ during the Renaissance. Focusing on the ideas of Marsilio Ficino and Aby Warburg, he explained how images serve as vessels that record and preserve human cultural memory, and how beneath contradictions lies a deeper unity. In conclusion, he emphasised that in today's image-driven era, these ancient philosophies remain profoundly relevant and meaningful today. From everyday life to philosophical reflection, images continue to be a powerful medium for contemplating the relationships between humanity, society, nature and history.
Executive Chef Benny and his team curated a themed tea break especially for the occasion. The culinary team also presented live cooking demonstrations, creatively arranging ingredients to visually reflect the event's artistic and intellectual themes. Guests were especially delighted by the locally inspired Leshan-style tofu pudding, which added a flavourful regional flair to the experience.
Niccolo Lectures is an exclusive event series that embodies Niccolo’s brand spirit of exploration and its motto of “New Encounters and Timeless Pleasures.” Dedicated to creating compelling experiences, Niccolo Hotels presents these events as a platform for contemporary and future entrepreneurs, fashion leaders, and business innovators to share their insights and remarkable life stories.
For more information about the hotel, please visit niccolohotels.com or call +86 28 8220 8888. You can also follow “Niccolo Chengdu” on WeChat, Xiaohongshu (Red Note), and Weibo for more updates.
About Niccolo Chengdu
New Encounters, Timeless Pleasures.
Located at Chengdu’s celebrated International Finance Square within the Chun Xi Road business district, Niccolo Chengdu occupies desirable and fashionable addresses and offers seasoned travellers a choice of 238 spacious luxurious guestrooms and suites with fashion-inspired interiors by leading designers. Niccolo Kitchen, Yue Hin, The Tea Lounge and The Bar are ready to delight your taste buds with signature dishes and take your dining experience to the next level. Guests can embark on a stylish and luxurious fitness journey with the fully-equipped wellness centre, an indoor swimming pool and special fitness courses. Niccolo is Chengdu’s epicentre for business events and celebrations by offering unprecedented choice of flexible spaces and highly attentive event service to create memorable experiences for guests. Visit Niccolo Hotels for more information on Niccolo Chengdu.
About Niccolo Hotels
Niccolo Hotels is a collection of five contemporary chic hotels inspired by luxury fashion. Underpinning the brand is the desire to make life effortlessly luxurious for guests with engaging experiences, art and design, and sophisticated spaces. The brand’s first property opened in Chengdu in 2015 and it is now present in Hong Kong SAR, Changsha, Chongqing and Suzhou. Niccolo Hotels is part of Wharf Hotels’ portfolio and a member of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Visit niccolohotels.com, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 45 brands and 850 properties in 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programme—GHA DISCOVERY—provides 32 million members recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay. GHA DISCOVERY generated US$2.7 billion in revenue and 11 million room nights in 2024. Through GHA membership, brands significantly expand their global reach, generating incremental revenue and reducing dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning.
For more information, visit globalhotelalliance.com or ghadiscovery.com.
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