JPNB63 Japan's Contemporary Art Scene

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2022
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
MgA. Karin Písaříková, PhD. (lecturer)
Mgr. Jiří Matela, M.A., Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Jiří Matela, M.A., Ph.D.
Department of Japanese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Supplier department: Department of Japanese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
each odd Thursday 8:00–11:40 B2.42
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 70 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 1/70, only registered: 0/70, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/70
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives (in Czech)
This course serves as an introduction to Japanese art scene now, with focus on selected art-world professionals, Tokyo biggest venues, art festivals and initiatives. Students will be able to gain insight and discuss the cultural specifics of Japanese art system and be aware of influential trends, artists and creators in contemporary art.
Learning outcomes (in Czech)
Selected topics are intended to develop skills of close looking, critical thinking, improve research skills, public engagement and discourse in class and writing about the visual arts.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • Block 1 Topic 1: Course introduction: simple self-introduction, expectation and goals, reasons for taking the class. Teacher’s introduction. Topic 2: Art and society: The importance of understanding Japanese art scene in a global context, the changing understanding of “art” and its place in society. Community vitalisation (Machiokoshi) and „hometown making“ (Furusato-zukuri), through art and cultural initiatives. Art festivals (Setouchi Triennale, Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale, Nakanojo Biennale….) Block 2 Topic 1: Artist-in-Residence programmes in Japan and Tokyo (AIR_J) and corporate support for the arts and culture ( Shiseido, Suntory…) Art museums in Japan ( 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the Seto Inland Sea Area, Aomori Museum of Art, Hakone Open Air Museum….) Topic 2: Tokyo Museum and gallery scene. The exhibiting system and difference between big museums (Mori Art Museum, Hara Museum, Watarium…) small galleries (Kashi-garo, Kikaku-garo type) and artist or community run spaces (Chioda Arts 3331, Ongoing) Student Presentations. Block 3: Topic 1: Media, Culture and society: aspects of culture, influence on art Topic 2: „Cool Japan“ political branding, Superflat movement and brands. Artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yoshimoto Nara, Mika Ninagawa, Yayoi Kusama, Sputniko…. Student Presentations. Block 4: Topic 1: Art and Gender. Tomoko Sawada, Miwa Yanagi, Yasumasa Morimura, Tari Ito…. Topic 2: Art and Politics. Masao Okabe, Yukinori Yanagi, Makoto Aida, Miyako Ishiuchi…. Student Presentations. Block 5: Topic 1: Art and Nature. Motohiko Odani, Kohei Nawa, Wataru Yamamoto, Reiko Ogura…. Topic 2: Art and technology. Art and Handiwork. teamLab, Akihiro Kubota… Sebastian Masuda, Miki Midori… Student Presentations. Submission of written assignment. Block 6: Topic 1: Guest lecture: experience of a Japanese artist studying or working abroad, discussion. Topic 2: Discussion: future plans, projects, comments. Feedback on written assignment.
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Roberson, James E. and Suzuki, Nobue. Men and Masculinities in Contemporary Japan, Dislocating the Salaryman Doxa, Routledge, 2003.
  • Rawlings, Ashley. Art Space Tokyo, Chin Music Press, 2008; Pre/Post Books, 2010.
  • Elliott David. Bye Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven and Hell in Contemporary Japanese Art, Yale University Press, 2011.
  • Yoshimoto, Midori. “Performing the Self: Yayoi Kusama and Her Ever-Expanding Universe.” In Into Performance: Japanese Women Artists in New York. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 2005. 45-78.
  • Okabe, Masao and Chihiro Minato (ed.), Is There a Future for Our Past?: The Dark Face of the Light, Tokyo: University of Tokyo Press, 2007.
  • Johnson, Mark. The Meaning of the Body: Aesthetics of Human Understanding. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.
  • Ishiuchi, Miyako. Ishiuchi Miyako - Mother's 2000-2005: Traces of the Future, Kyoto: Tankosha, 2005.
  • Kastner, Jeffrey and Brian Wallis, eds., Land and Environmental Art, London: Phaidon (New, Abridged Edition), 2010.
  • Alberro, Alexander and Sabeth Buchmann. eds. Art after Conceptual Art. Cambridge, MH: MIT Press, 2006.
  • Favell, Adrian. Before and After Superflat: A Short History of Japanese Contemporary Art 1990- 2011. Hong Kong: Blue Kingfisher, 2012.
  • Fraser, Karen M. “Representation and Identity.” In Photography and Japan. London: Reaktion Books, 2011. 37-86.
  • Chong, Doryun, et al. From Postwar to Postmodern, Art in Japan 1945-1989: Primary Documents. New York: Museum of Modern Art; Durham: Duke University Press, 2012.
  • STALLABRASS, Julian. Contemporary art : a very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006, 154 s. ISBN 9780192806468. info
Teaching methods (in Czech)
This class will be taught in lecture format with discussion sections. Lectures will be in blocks divided into two parts. Participation in both segments is mandatory. We will use audiovisual materials and texts. Provided handouts or PDF documents should be read in time for the next lecture. Both, texts and class, will be in English, however with focus on the subject and not on language proficiency. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Attendance and active participation are expected of every student. Grades will be based on class participation including a short presentation and a writing assignment.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
General note: Předmět je určen i pro studenty mimo mateřské obory.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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