Call for Papers: Contemporary Art and Political Ecology in East Asia

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Paula

call for papers [150-2]Call for Articles

Special issue of Journal of Contemporary Chinese Art in Winter 2015

Contemporary Art and Political Ecology in East Asia

Guest-Editors:
Bo Zheng (School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong, bozheng@cityu.edu.hk)
Sohl Lee (Department of Art, Stony Brook University, Sohl.Lee@stonybrook.edu)

Ecology is at the heart of contemporary politics. The Fukushima nuclear disaster, the smog in Beijing, and the “pristine” DMZ in the Korean peninsula force us to confront the ecological consequences of a globalized neoliberal system. Contemporary artists in East Asia have since long endeavored to raise environmental consciousness, stage ecological interventions, and experiment with new ways of life in nature. The purpose of this special issue is to document their work and develop theoretical insights that deepen our understanding of the relationship between art and political ecology.

Recently a set of new theoretical ideas—Thing Theory (Bill Brown), New Materialism (Jane Bennett), Posthumanism (Francis Fukuyama) and so on—have gained much traction in Europe and North America. They challenge the basic premise of complete human agency, which has been the philosophical foundation of the Anthropocene. We see two areas that need advancement in this theoretical upsurge. First, how could we connect these new formulations with classical ideas of nature in East Asia? Second, how should we not lose sight of political urgencies like decolonization and anti-neoliberalization while we dive deeper into the philosophical terrain of ecology? This special issue will serve as a first step in addressing these concerns. Thus we are particularly interested in creative projects and writings that pursue ecological justice together with social and political equality, because the search for vibrant ecologies is inherently linked to the search for radical democracies.

The theoretical and thematic explorations we seek include but are not limited to:

  • How do artists negotiate the post-colonial paradigm of equality and social justice alongside new investigations in ecology?
  • What is the renewed role of aesthetics in understanding politics of ecology, equality, and justice? How does art transform our understanding of ecology or the practice of eco-activism? Conversely, how does eco-political art transform our understanding of aesthetics? Do we see a new conceptualization of aesthetics based on collectivism and radical politics?
  • Is there a privileged aesthetic language with which we can discuss the politics of ecology, such as new tactics of data accumulation and information visualization? How have the traditions of documentary realism and landscape painting figure into the aesthetics of eco-politics?
  • How do the examples of ecological art complicate the category of “contemporary Asian art” built heavily on art produced in urban centers?
  • How does the concept of ecology as a parameter and subject of artistic practice question the nation-bound categorization in contemporary art—and subsequently contribute to enriching, or overcoming, the “local/global” dyad?
  • How do artists simultaneously engage with the geopolitics of Cold War and the greenwashing “environmentalism” in areas such as the DMZ?
  • How was the notion of “nature” conceived and transformed in pre-modern and early modern periods? How does contemporary practice in East Asia—informed by classical discourse on nature—position itself in relation to Thing Theory/ New Materialism/ Posthumanism developed by Euro-American thinkers?

We welcome both shorter articles that describe and analyze specific artworks (1,500-3,000 words) and full-length papers that investigate theoretical issues and/or articulate important movements (6,000-8,000 words). The geographic region of “East Asia” includes Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau,  and Taiwan), North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. Essays with comparative perspectives will also be considered. Artworks can range in various mediums including painting, installation, photography, video, conceptual art, media art, documentary film, theatre and performance.

Please send us an abstract (250 to 500 words) and CV before 15 February, 2015. We will inform authors of our initial decisions by 1 March, 2015. Complete drafts will be due on 1 July, 2015 for review and revision.

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Fun Link Friday: Chocolatexture

Posted on January 30, 2015 by LM

What better way to learn textural 擬音語 and 擬態語 than with chocolate? Check out Spoon & Tamago‘s review of design group nendo‘s latest project, Chocolatexture, which features chocolates designed to represent onomatopoeic representations of textures in Japanese, here. I’m rather fond of ザラザラ myself.

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Correction: Job Opening: Publicity Coordinator, Embassy of Japan

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Paula

The earlier reblog contained some outdated information. Please see the following link and information below for correct information on this position!

http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/employment.html

Publicity Coordinator

The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Publicity Coordinator. This individual is responsible for disseminating information about the JICC and various Japan-related events to the public and media, creating and designing promotional materials, and drafting speeches. Please see below for a more detailed listing of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation and sick leave. Working hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday with weeknight and/or weekend events several times a month (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience.

Please note: Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only successful candidates will be contacted. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

Responsibilities:

  • Draft flyers, brochures, pamphlets, posters and advertisements for JICC events
  • Draft speeches, statements, remarks and correspondence
  • Develop materials for JICC exhibits such as signs and posters
  • Keep the staff updated on news coverage related to Japanese culture and coverage of JICC events in the media
  • Maintain a database of media- and art-related contacts and build relationships with relevant media
  • Respond to public inquiries on Japan
  • Assist the diplomats with administrative tasks, writing, and research
  • Support other staff with JICC events and other office tasks
  • Other responsibilities as needed

Required and Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bilingual in Japanese and English
  • Strong knowledge of Japanese culture
  • High level of professionalism
  • Flexibility and resourcefulness
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Team-oriented self-starter
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field

To apply:

E-mail your resume, cover letter, and a copy of your university transcript(s) (need not be official) in .pdf format to: jicchr@ws.mofa.go.jp
Please note in the subject line of your e-mail “JICC Publicity Coordinator”.
Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

You can download a PDF of this information here.

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Job Opening: Program Coordinator – International Education, Olympic College [part time]

Posted on January 28, 2015 by LM

job opening - 5Institution: Olympic College
Location: Bremerton, WA
Type: Part-Time (12 months)
Closing Date/Time: Tue. 02/03/15 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Education: High school required, Associate or bachelor’s preferred

POSITION:

Olympic College is recruiting to fill a part-time temporary position for the Office of International Education. This position reports to the Assistant Director of International Education. It includes advising prospective international students on academic planning, admissions processes as well as regulations related to non-immigrant student visa. Serves as one of the Designated School Officials assisting with quarterly SEVIS registration. The position is contingent on enrollment and will be re-evaluated annually. This current funding is expected to last until June 1st, 2016.

TYPICAL WORK:
This person supports the functions of the Office for International Education;

  • Collect, review and process applications for international students to various programs;
  • Prepare and send appropriate admissions documents; communicate with applicants and their representatives (agents, parents, relatives);
  • Provide individual and group advising to prospective students in areas including: educational planning and course selection; transfer to university processes, immigration, employment, cross-cultural adjustment, health and personal advising;
  • May assist current and newly enrolled students with testing, orientation sign up, advising and course registration;
  • Assist in the management of student records in the campus data management system and the SEVIS system;
  • May participate in field trips as a chaperone and may be assigned airport pick-ups as needed;
  • Perform other related duties as required and/or assigned.
  • The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school graduation or equivalent AND
  • Two years of experience in the program specialty OR equivalent education and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate or bachelor degree.
  • One year or more of professional experience in international admissions.
  • Work and/or living experience abroad and/or foreign language skills.
  • Experience working in a community college.
  • Practical examination may be administered. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee a passing or competitive score on the examination.

Additional Information:

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • Understand the needs of community college and students
  • Understand complex oral and written instructions
  • Display strong organizational and analytical skills
  • Independently prioritize and organize assigned work
  • Establish and maintain a positive and effective work environment
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently, read, understand, and interpret policies and procedures,
  • Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Interact successfully with individuals and groups representing a wide range of diverse cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the Olympic College mission, vision and values

Full description and details on HigherEdJobs.com.

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Job Opening: Assistant Professor of East Asian History

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Paula

job opening - 5Institution:   Emmanuel College
Location:   Massachusetts, United States
Position:   Assistant Professor

Founded in 1919 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as the first Catholic college for women in New England, Emmanuel today is a coeducational, residential college with a 17-acre campus in the heart of Boston’s educational, scientific, cultural and medical communities.   As part of its Catholic identity, the College encourages students, faculty, administrators and staff of all religious backgrounds to learn, teach, and work in a respectful, civil environment shaped by strong ethical values, a commitment to social justice and service, the Catholic intellectual tradition and the global mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

The History Department at Emmanuel College invites applications for a full-time, ranked (non-tenure track) position at the Assistant Professor level in East Asian History, beginning in the Fall of 2015. Candidates are expected to be able to teach courses related to their specialty, but will need to be able to teach modern China, modern Japan, world survey courses, and historical research methods. We are particularly interested in candidates who will strengthen the overall program and develop courses in at least one of the following areas: cultural history, environmental history, gender studies, and transnationalism.  The teaching load for faculty at this rank is three courses per semester. An active and sustainable research agenda is required.

Candidates must have previous teaching experience at the undergraduate level and have a Ph.D. in History at time of appointment. 

Emmanuel College seeks to create a working and learning environment that reflect the society and community in which we are located, and we actively encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Contact:

To apply for this position please use the following link:

http://emmanuel.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=56275

After submitting your resume with this application form, you will be prompted to complete an Applicant Profile where you will be able to upload your cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy and list of references.

In order to be considered for this position, you need to submit all four documents: a resume, cover letter emphasizing research interests, statement of teaching philosophy and a list of three references. Peer and/or student teaching evaluations are encouraged but not required.

Website: www.emmanuel.edu

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Job Opening: Publicity Coordinator, Embassy of Japan, Washington D.C.

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Paula

The Japan Information and Culture Center of the Embassy of Japan contacted us to inform us this position is not yet filled. Good luck, applicants!

LM's avatarWhat can I do with a B.A. in Japanese Studies?

Institution: Embassy of Japan
Location: Washington D.C.
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Deadline: not listed

The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the Publicity Coordinator position. This individual is responsible for supporting the JICC’s goal to promote a better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by disseminating information about the JICC and various Japan-related events to the public and media. Possessing excellent writing skills, this individual will have primary responsibility for creating and designing promotional materials and will also be responsible for drafting speeches for Embassy of Japan diplomats.

This position also entails other duties shared with coworkers at the JICC, such as assisting the diplomats and other colleagues with events held at the JICC, and responding to public inquiries about Japan. Please see below for a more detailed listing of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, paid vacation…

View original post 234 more words

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Job Opening: Homestay Program Assistant, University of California, Riverside

Posted on January 27, 2015 by LM

Institution: University of California, Riverside
Location: Riverside, CA
Posted: 01/23/2015
Type: Full Time

UCR Extension’s International Education Programs (IEP) and Management & Technology Programs (MTP) is a fast-paced and dynamic international education environment that successfully delivers multiple English as a Second Language (ESL), academic, professional, and special/custom programs to approximately 5,000 visiting international students per year.

We are seeking an Administrative Assistant who can respond and and thrive in a changing environment and successfully work in a multicultural context. Administrative Assistants support IEP and MTP programs and services via provision of excellent customer service and organizational skills, as well as effective email and verbal communication with supervisors, colleagues, students and global partners.

The Homestay Program Assistant provides support to the processes of the IEP Homestay Program as well as prospective and current homestay students and homestay families. The position includes responsibilities around reception for phone calls and visitors, file maintenance, contract generation and renewal, evaluation process, written information and oral presentations.

Minimum Requirements

  • Demonstrated, responsible general office experience working in a fast paced environment, performing clerical responsibilities requiring attention to detail, good judgment, and confidentiality.
  • Experience creating remarkable customer service experiences.
  • Excellent multitasking skills to work effectively in an environment with constant interruptions, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and time management ability.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a team approach.
  • Experience resolving problems through quantitative and qualitative review.
  • Experience working in a multicultural environment.
  • Empathy and understanding for international students.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally using tact and diplomacy with internal and external campus community including international students and their families.
  • Must effectively be able to deliver information in a clear, concise and articulate manner.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated knowledge of current best practices in Homestay services delivery.
  • Work experience in a university setting.
  • Study or work abroad experience.
  • Oral proficiency in Japanese and/or Chinese languages.

Full details at HigherEdJobs.com

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Book Announcement: Japanese Design: Art, Aesthetics, and Culture

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Paula

Japanese DesignJapanese Design: Art, Aesthetics & Culture

Patricia J. Graham

What exactly is the singular attraction of Japanese design? And why does Japanese style speak so clearly to so many people all over the world?

The Japanese sensibility often possesses an intuitive, emotional appeal, whether it’s a silk kimono, a carefully raked garden path, an architectural marvel, a teapot, or a contemporary work of art. This allure has come to permeate the entire culture of Japan—it is manifest in the most mundane utensil and snack food packaging, as well as in Japanese architecture and fine art.

In Japanese Design, Asian art expert and author Patricia J. Graham explains how Japanese aesthetics based in fine craftsmanship and simplicity developed. Her unusual, full-color presentation reveals this design aesthetic in an absorbing way, using a combination of insightful explanations and more than 160 stunning photos. Focusing upon ten elements of Japanese design, Graham explores how visual qualities, the cultural parameters and the Japanese religious traditions of Buddhism and Shinto have impacted the appearance of its arts.

Japanese Design is a handbook for the millions of us who have felt the special allure of Japanese art, culture and crafts. Art and design fans and professionals have been clamoring for this—a book that fills the need for an intelligent, culture-rich overview of what Japanese design is and means.

Author Bio
Patricia J. Graham is an author, lecturer, and professional consultant on Asian art. She is a certi?ed appraiser who works with private collectors, museums, attorneys, insurance companies, auction houses, and universities. Her books include Faith and Power in Japanese Buddhist Art, 1600–2005, and Tea of the Sages: The Art of Sencha, both published by the University of Hawaii Press. Find out more from Patricia on patriciagraham.net

http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/books-by-country/japanese-design-hardcover-with-jacket

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Call for Applications: Penn State Asian Studies Summer Institute: “Migratory Aesthetics and Asian/American Studies”

Posted on January 24, 2015 by Paula

call for papers [150-2]Penn State Asian Studies Summer Institute: 

“Migratory Aesthetics and Asian/American Studies”

Penn State University invites applicants for its annual Asian Studies Summer Institute, to be held June 21-27, 2015. This year’s Institute, directed by Tina Chen and Eric Hayot, focuses on the topic of “Migratory Aesthetics and Asian/American Studies.”

Institute participants spend a week reading and thinking about the annual theme, as well as significant time workshopping their work in progress. Penn State will cover travel, housing, and most meals for the week of the Institute.  Applicants must have completed their PhDs between August 2010 and 2015, or be advanced graduate students who are completing their dissertations.

On the theme:

Allowing the genitive force of the phrase “Migratory Aesthetics” to go both ways, we intend to indicate a variety of potential variations on the theme: (1) the ways in which aesthetics migrate; the difference between aesthetics that migrate and don’t; what happens to aesthetics in migration; (2) the aesthetic dimensions of migration; the ways in which migration generates (or refuses to generate) particular forms of sensory experience; the process whereby geographical and cultural movement and change formalize themselves (or refuse to formalize themselves) in something that might stabilize enough to be thought of as “aesthetic” at all. We welcome projects thinking with, through, or against any of these provocations, which intend to begin a conversation that will continue through the Institute and, ideally, beyond it.  Particularly strong work will be considered for publication in Verge: Studies in Global Asias (http://www.upress.umn.edu/journal-division/Journals/verge-studies-in-global-asias).

To apply, please send the following documents in a single PDF file to verge@psu.edu by April 3, 2015.

  1. A cover letter (up to 2pp) outlining your current career/research stage, and articulating a connection to the Institute theme.
  2. A sample of your current work (10-20 pp). This need not be the piece you plan to workshop over the summer. It should nonetheless give the review committee some sense of your current and future work.
  3. A current c.v.
  4. Advanced graduate students must also include a letter from the dissertation adviser on academic progress and status.

Decisions will be made by May 1, 2015. Other inquiries regarding the Summer Institute may be directed to Tina Chen (tina.chen@psu.edu) or Eric Hayot (ehayot@psu.edu).

Themes for the Summer Institute in Asian Studies in coming years include:

  • 2016-Empires
  • 2017-Urbanisms
  • 2018-Avant-gardes
  • 2019-Pop/Media Cultures
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Fun Link Friday: The Secret of the Shinkansen

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Paula

Ever wonder how and why trains in Japan like the bullet train (shinkansen) are always so efficient and on time?  tsunagu Japan recently posted an article explaining just how those super-fast trains always manage to get people where they’re going efficiently and safely. You might be surprised by the explanation!

Photo by Antonio Tajuelo

Photo by Antonio Tajuelo

There’s also a couple of neat videos about the out of this world cleaning staff that keeps everything so clean that those of us around the world can hardly believe it. Check it out!

 

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