Works-in-Progress Symposium, April 29, 12:30-1:30pm,EALC Conference Room

EALC Brown Bag Lunch & Works-in-Progress Forum: April 29, 12:30-1:30



EALC presents the second in a series of works-in-progress by resident grad students and faculty

Our second presenter is Younjung Oh, of the Art History Department, who will present a chapter of her dissertation. This chapter discusses the paradox of how department stores in 1920's Tokyo became the primary venues for exhibiting avant-garde art through a concerted effort by both merchants and artists to reach the "masses."


Younjung will present the chapter, situation it in the diss as a whole, walk through the argument, and get some feedback on the chapter, as it nears completion.


-->You may obtain a copy of the chapter that Younjung will discuss by e-mailing her in advance (younjuno@usc.edu).



Avant-garde Art and the "Taishūka" (Massification) of Department Stores in the 1920s


In the 1920s, department stores became the primary venues for showcasing the artistic activities of the avant-garde artists of Japan. The most radical avant-garde art groups--including Mavo, Action, Sanka, Zōkei, and Tani Sanka--held their exhibitions in department stores. This presentation will address the question of: how can we interpret the seeming incongruity of avant-garde artists holding exhibitions within department stores, given the capitalist nature of these venues, that seems to contradict the leftist thoughts and revolutionary sympathies of the artists? I address the liaison between avant-garde art and department stores by examining how both department stores and avant-garde artists endeavored to reach the masses and to participate fully in modern means of mass communication during the 1920s.


The talk will take place in the EALC conference room, 371 Taper, from 12:30-1:30.
Feel free to bring your lunch.

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