In this week’s reading, I read about fashioning histories out of icons. In the article “Material Mao,” author Linh described the marriage of east and west through examples of Mao inspired art forms. In one example, Linh wrote about Mao inspired clothes which received mixed reviews in both the west and the east. I think the way America has portrayed China in U.S. history books has a part to play in this. Cultural curiosity of China is interesting to the west because of the previously written narrative of an exotic and mysterious people and country. Personally, I think it is a bit controversial as people have different personal resonance to the Chinese leader. However, I like the idea that designers are attempting to change views of ethnic groups through clothes. It is inspiring to see that designers are creating forms of art which embrace their own culture. The reappropriation and ownership of culture brings attention to a new narrative of inclusion. I think the Mao inspired clothes is more interesting than the overused idea of the changsan and of mythical creatures such as dragons. One question I had for the designers of the Mao inspired clothes is whether or not they considered Mao’s ideals into its creation. It was mentioned in the article that Mao himself was against consumerism and materialism.
No comments:
Post a Comment