Manga Flows Symposium (2002)
Overview of symposium
This symposium explores the movement of images and commodities across and between borders, particularly those of Japan and the Asia Pacific region. It will continue the Cultural Flows conference (Monash University 2002) exploration of how categories of the local, national, and global are constructed, and the boundaries between them configured.
This symposium will bring together scholars, fans, artists, and professionals, adopting an interdisciplinary approach that welcomes papers from a wide range of disciplines and experiences.
Manga and the arts
Manga is a graphic medium that is exerting a significant influence on artists and audiences; witness the popularity of drawing comics in a 'manga style', or the inspiration drawn from manga characters, stories, and visual layout in cinema, television, computer games, and print. We also invite artists and fans to talk about their work that draws upon a manga style or has been influenced by Japanese visual culture.
Manga and education
Anecdotal observations suggest that within education, particularly Japanese language education, students at secondary and tertiary level are being motivated to study Japanese through their interest in manga, and the possibilities of using manga for teaching Japanese.
Manga and the construction of identity and culture
considers issues such as the social welfare of international students and students from Asian backgrounds for whom manga can provide an important sense of belonging to a cultural heritage outside of Australia, which is yet a focus of local admiration and curiosity.
Related topics include:
- Globalisation/hybridity and culture
- Representing and performing difference
- Race and nationalism
- Popular culture and consumerism
Abstracts
The organising committee now invites proposals for papers addressing the above issues. Expressions of interest in contributing a paper should be accompanied by a 250 word abstract.
Abstracts should be submitted to the
project coordinator Dr. Craig Norris via email
(Craig.Norris@arts.monash.edu.au
) by Friday 18 June 2004 for inclusion in the symposium program.
Outcomes
As an outcome of this symposium, we hope to produce an innovative symposium catalogue combining original artwork and papers.
Post-symposium Dinner
We plan to hold a post-symposium dinner from 6:30 pm, 13 August 2004, at a local restaurant. Details to be posted.