Harvard Art Museums Exhibition Links Opium Trade to US Addiction Crisis

The Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts, present "Objects of Addiction: Opium Empire and the Chinese art trade," an exhibition exploring the historical and contemporary opioid crisis in the United States. Curated by Sarah Laursen, the show traces opium consumption from Qing Dynasty China (early 20th century) to the current American epidemic. In Massachusetts alone, opioids contributed to two-thirds of over 107,000 overdose deaths last year, with at least three million Americans having used opioids. The exhibition features artworks, objects, sculptures, bronzes, and historical documents. It results from collaboration among students, faculty, doctors, public health professionals, the Harvard College Overdose Prevention and Education group, and community members. Interactive elements include training sessions, talks, and roundtables on destigmatization, plus distribution of Narcan nasal spray. Runs until January 14, 2024.