Words and Ideas

Celebrating Earth Day with US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo

An American Sunrise | Virtual Talk

Thursday, April 22, 7:00 pm (PT)

FREE online program

In honor of Earth Day, hear esteemed poet Joy Harjo read selections from her vast body of work—including from her latest book of poetry, An American Sunrise. A member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Harjo is the first Native American to be named Poet Laureate of the United States.

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Francisco Goldman in Conversation with Rachel Kushner

Monkey Boy | Virtual Talk

Wednesday, May 12, 7:00 pm (PT)

FREE online program

Hear celebrated, award-winning American author Francisco Goldman discuss his latest novel, Monkey Boy. This extraordinary coming-of-age story follows Goldman’s alter-ego as he confronts his past and the longstanding effects of straddling dual identities—whether American/Guatemalan, Jewish/Catholic, or white/brown—while living between Mexico City and New York.

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A Conversation with Ai Weiwei

Virtual Talk

Now streaming on YouTube

In this rare speaking engagement, hear from celebrated visual artist, filmmaker, and political activist Ai Weiwei as he explores his vast body of work in the context of social justice. Imprisoned by Chinese authorities in 2011 without cause, Ai has dedicated his life and career to speaking out against human-rights violations around the globe. In this virtual conversation with Skirball curator Yael Lipschutz, Ai discusses how he views the interconnectivity of human suffering as stemming from cultural and economic systems that value profit rather than human life. Yet Ai Weiwei, in his own words, reminds us that although the world's problems are deep and complex, “we hope for the better.”

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