This week in New York Ai Weiwei’s public art installation debuts at Central Park; a talk on manga and graphic novels at The Japan Society; Kathryn Harrison, author of The Kiss at Housing Works; NOON spring issue launch party; Willow Books authors read at Cave Canem; and powerHouse presents Spike Lee’s DVD release party of If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise.
MONDAY 5/02: Ann Packer, best-selling author of Songs Without Words and The Dive from Clausen’s Pier, will read from her latest book, Swim Back to Me: Stories. Her brother, George Packer, journalist, novelist, and playwright, will join her. Strand Books. 7 p.m. Free.
Today begins the public showing of “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads,” an art installation by one of China’s most successful artists—social activist Ai Weiwei, currently being detained in China. The 12 bronze animal heads represent the traditional Chinese zodiac and will be on display until July 15. Pulitzer Fountain, Grand Army Plaza at Central Park.
TUESDAY 5/03: Tonight, authors Hideo Furukawa, Steve Erickson, and Roland Kelts will talk about how American and Japanese artists inspire each other at “Seeing Stories: Fiction, Manga & Graphic Novels.” They’ll also talk about the launch of Monkey Business International, a new transnational literary journal with fiction, poetry, and manga from Japan and the U.S. The Japan Society. 6:30 p.m. $12, general public; $8 Japan Society members, seniors & students.
WEDNESDAY 5/04: An artist talk on the exhibition “With Food in Mind,” featuring Maya Seuss, Heather Hart, Tattfoo Tan, and Elaine Tin Nyo. The exhibition that looks at books and print and digital media over the last 20 years and how artists use food as their subject matter; it runs until June 25. The Center for Book Arts. 6:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation, $5 members.
Kathryn Harrison, author of The Kiss, will discuss her controversial 1997 memoir being reissued by Random House, which chronicled her adult incestuous relationship with her father. New York Magazine’s Emily Nussbaum and feminist Anne Roiphe will join the conversation. Housing Works Bookstore Café. 7 p.m. Free.
THURSDAY 5/05: Literary journal NOON is having a launch party of its spring issue with readings by some of the contributors: Chiara Barzini and Brandon Hobson, also featuring founder and editor of NOON Diane Williams. The Center for Fiction. 7 p.m. Free.
FRIDAY 5/06: Willow Books presents a showcase of its authors, featuring readings from Tara Betts, Antoinette Brim, Curtis Crisler, Reginald Flood, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Derrick Harriell, Lita Hooper, Randall Horton, Alan King and Karen Williams. Cave Canem. 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY 5/07: The powerHouse Arena presents a signing with Spike Lee of the new DVD release of If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise the two-part, four-hour film that tells the story of the rebirth of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. 2:30 p.m. Free.
SUNDAY 5/08: KGB Bar presents its Sunday Night Fiction showcase with work from new and emerging writers, with authors Jo Ann Beard, In Zanesville; Bill Lychack, The Warp Easter; and Diana Spechler, Who by Fire. 7 p.m.
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