Anna Zheng
Pronouns:
Research Mentor(s): Amy Chavasse
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Dance / Music
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 69
Abstract
Despite the vast media attention to Chinese culture and society today, little is known about the perspective of Chinese contemporary evolution from the diverse ethnic minority culture in China. Ethnic minority culture reflects a diverse viewpoint on societal topics that often is stigmatized or lost in society. This research focuses on developing insights from in-residence artists Jay Peng Zhang and Terry Tsang King-fai, who come from Miao and Taoist culture. Zhang’s and Tsang’s reflect the boundaries of self-identity and cultural representation within their art and performances. Further analysis was developed from qualitative research of east asian minority cultures and cultural adaptations within contemporary art. Through the understanding of Jay’s and Terry’s development of work from their ethnic culture and the ethnic culture itself, the result challenged perspective to controversial ideas in societal values and religious practices. Given the nature of the research is subjective to analytical and in person research, there are limited findings within the scale of cultural adaptations within Chinese contemporary art. However, the further understandings within contemporary art in relation to minorities add nuance to our understanding of Chinese culture as a whole of diversity ideas and perceptions. This study is part of a growing focus on the value of art in challenging dominant impressions within society.
