Visual Culture Wars at the Borders of Contemporary China: Art, Design, Film, New Media and the Prospects of "Post-West" Contemporaneity

This edited collection explores visual culture as a means of representing, contributing to, and intervening in discursive struggles and territorial conflicts in China, addressing resistances to the Chinese state, Western colonialism, and differences in discursive outlook between China and the West. It provides an index of China's diversely conflicted status as a contemporary nation-state and arguably nascent empire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 253 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This edited collection brings together a critical examination of visual culture as a means of representing, contributing to, and/or intervening in discursive struggles and territorial conflicts currently taking place at and across the outward-facing and internal borders of the People's Republic of China. Through the essays collected here for the first time, a constellation of visual culture wars emerges, encompassing resistances on numerous fronts not only to the growing power and expansiveness of the Chinese state but also to the residues of a once pervasive Western colonialism/imperialism. The present volume addresses visual culture related to struggles and conflicts at the borders of Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and Taiwan, as well as within the PRC concerning the so-called "Great Firewall of China" and differences in discursive outlook between China and the West on the meanings of art, technology, gender, and sexuality. In doing so, it provides a vital index of twenty-first-century China's diversely conflicted status as a contemporary nation-state and, arguably, nascent empire.

Visual culture plays a crucial role in shaping the identities and narratives of individuals and communities, and it is increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool for social change and activism. In this essay, we will explore the role of visual culture in representing and challenging dominant narratives, as well as its potential for promoting social justice and equity.

One of the primary ways in which visual culture represents dominant narratives is through the media. Television, movies, and advertising are just a few examples of the ways in which visual images are used to convey messages and shape public opinion. These images often reinforce stereotypes and biases, perpetuating harmful attitudes and beliefs about certain groups of people. For example, media representations of women and girls are often limited to stereotypes of beauty and femininity, which can limit their opportunities and perpetuate gender inequality.

However, visual culture also has the potential to challenge these dominant narratives and promote social justice and equity. Artists and activists use visual media to raise awareness about social issues and to challenge the status quo. For example, the #MeToo movement has been largely driven by visual media, with women and girls sharing their stories and experiences through social media platforms and art installations. These visual representations have helped to break the silence around sexual harassment and assault, and to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.

Another way in which visual culture can promote social justice and equity is through the use of storytelling. Storytelling is a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and emotions, and it can be used to challenge dominant narratives and promote empathy and understanding. Visual storytelling, such as graphic novels and documentaries, can provide a unique perspective on social issues and help to break down barriers and promote dialogue.

In addition to promoting social justice and equity, visual culture can also be used to promote cultural diversity and representation. Visual media can provide a platform for marginalized voices and perspectives to be heard, and it can help to challenge the dominant narrative of a single, homogeneous culture. For example, the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement has been largely driven by visual media, with artists and activists using art installations and social media to raise awareness about police brutality and promote racial justice.

However, it is important to note that visual culture is not without its challenges. One of the primary challenges is the power of the media and the advertising industry to shape public opinion and promote dominant narratives. These industries have a significant influence on the way

Visual culture is a powerful tool for representing and challenging dominant narratives, and it has the potential to promote social justice and equity. Through the use of media, storytelling, and cultural diversity and representation, visual culture can help to break down barriers and promote dialogue, and it can provide a unique perspective on social issues. However, it is important to note that visual culture is not without its challenges, and it is essential to be aware of these challenges and to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 149 x 209 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811652950
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021