150132 UE Kulturwissenschaftliche Methoden in der Sinologie (M6) (2023S)

In 2005, Chinese visual artist Xu Tan (b. 1957, Wuhan) started the Keywords Project, centered on the ties between linguistic activities and collective yishi (differed from consciousness). Over the years, the project has led to a conceptual Dictionary of Keywords (2008), editions of Keywords School in Guangzhou, San Francisco, Stockholm, and the 53rd Venice Biennial between 2008 and 2014, as well as the more recent “Keywords Lab-Social Botany” (2013-ongoing), among others.

The course takes as a starting point Xu’s research and artistic practice, to 1) explore the conceptual potential of keywords in visual art and cultural studies; 2) investigate the interplay of culture, politics, and economy in contemporary China.

To understand the art historical and social context of Xu’s project, the course begins with an overview of Chinese art in the 1990s; artist groups in the Pearl River Delta area will be highlighted.

The historical overview is followed by an introduction to Xu’s Keywords Project--both its theoretical and technical aspects —and relevant analytic frameworks of such experimental practice.

At the core of this course is the development of one original project around keywords: students work in teams to continuously locate, analyze, and present keywords, through a mix of forms and methods such as interviews, textual analysis, and creative output.

In addition, 2-3 sessions with guest speakers will be arranged, in which invited artists talk about their practice that closely examines language and reality.

Course sessions and required readings are in English, and a basic knowledge of Chinese is recommended. Course materials will be available either directly on moodle or provided with an access link.