Abstract

In this short tribute to Mario Perniola, Zhou Xian remembers his friendship with the Italian aesthetician. Zhou, one of the most prominent art theorists in China, discusses his friendship with Perniola and the significance of their relationship both at a personal and intellectual level. After describing in a touching way their first encounter in Rome, which started in Perniola’s studio, Zhou celebrates the innovative character of Perniola’s aesthetic theorizing, and in particular his interest in Chinese contemporary aesthetics.