In this episode, Francine interviewed Dr. Nora Taylor, an Alsdorf Professor of South and Southeast Asian Art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Dr. Taylor discusses her research on contemporary Vietnamese art and the ways in which she has engaged with the paradoxical nature of monuments. She reveals how the Vietnamese public views art pieces, including monuments, differently as their historical memory of the Vietnam War and colonialism has evolved overtime. Finally, Dr. Taylor reminisces on her Vietnamese language learning journey, giving witty advice to all new language learners.    Lightning Round: 3:43   Research and lecture summary: 24:20   Advice for researchers and recommendations: 48:54   Dr. Nora Taylor's Top Recommendations:

• Inside the Cocoon Shell

The music on the podcast is from "Me and Some Friends", a musical project by a group of friends at Cornell, to experiment with how the beautiful timbres of Gamelan music can meld with hypnotic guitar parts to create a contemplative and unique experience. Check them out here.