At the Pivot of East and West: Ethnographic, Literary, and Filmic Arts

Michael M. J. Fischer explores documentary filmmaking and literature from Southeast Asia and Singapore for their para-ethnographic insights into politics, culture, and aesthetics. Women novelists retell Southeast Asian generational and political worlds as gendered psychodramas, while filmmakers probe into what can better be seen beyond textual worlds. Other writers reinvent the detective story for the age of artificial intelligence, use monsters to reimagine the Southeast Asian archipelago, and critique racism and the erasure of ethnic cultural histories. Fischer exemplifies how art and fiction trace how taken-for-granted common sense changes over time, speak to the transnational present, and track signals of the future before they surface in public awareness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

In his groundbreaking work, "At the Pivot of East and West," Michael M. J. Fischer delves into the realm of documentary filmmaking and literature from Southeast Asia and Singapore, seeking to uncover their para-ethnographic insights into politics, culture, and aesthetics. Fischer's exploration encompasses a diverse range of voices, including women novelists who reimagine Southeast Asian generational and political worlds as gendered psychodramas. These novelists, such as Lydia Kwa, Laksmi Pamuntjak, Sandi Tan, Jing Jing Lee, and Danielle Lim, skillfully weave narratives that explore the complexities of gender, power, and identity within the region.

On the other hand, filmmakers Tan Pin Pin and Daniel Hui utilize the power of film to transcend the boundaries of textual worlds, offering a fresh perspective on what lies beyond. Their works challenge the traditional understanding of storytelling and invite viewers to engage with visual and auditory elements in unique and thought-provoking ways.

Furthermore, Fischer's work extends beyond individual authors and filmmakers. He collaborates with other writers like Daren Goh, Kevin Martens Wong, and Nuraliah Norasid, who employ innovative approaches to storytelling. These writers redefine the detective story for the age of artificial intelligence, using monsters as a means to reimagine the Southeast Asian archipelago and critique racism and the erasure of ethnic cultural histories.

Through his project of applying anthropological thinking to the creative arts, Fischer exemplifies how art and fiction can trace the evolution of common sense, speak to the transnational present, and anticipate future signals before they become widely recognized. By exploring the intersections of politics, culture, and aesthetics, Fischer's work offers a profound understanding of the complex dynamics that shape Southeast Asia and the world at large.

In conclusion, "At the Pivot of East and West" is a seminal work that sheds light on the rich tapestry of documentary filmmaking and literature from Southeast Asia and Singapore. Fischer's meticulous analysis and interdisciplinary approach provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of politics, culture, and aesthetics, challenging traditional narratives and opening up new avenues for understanding and exploration.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478017189