The idea that Japanese art is produced through rote copy and imitation is an eighteenth-century colonial construction; with roots in Romantic ideals of originality. Offering a much-needed corrective to this critique; Michael Lucken demonstrates the distinct character of Japanese mimesis and its dynamic impact on global culture; showing through several twentieth-century masterpieces the generative and regenerative power of Japanese creativity. Choosing a representative work from each of four modern genres—painting; film; photography; and animation—Lucken portrays the range of strategies that Japanese artists use to re-present contemporary influences. He examines Kishida Ryuseirsquo;s portraits of Reiko (1914–1929); Kurosawa Akirarsquo;s Ikiru (1952); Araki Nobuyoshirsquo;s photographic novel Sentimental Journey—Winter (1991); and Miyazaki Hayaorsquo;s popular anime film Spirited Away (2001); revealing the sophisticated patterns of mimesis that are unique but not exclusive to modern Japanese art. In doing so; Lucken identifies the tensions that drive the Japanese imagination; which are much richer than a simple opposition between progress and tradition; and their reflection of human culturersquo;s universal encounter with change. This global perspective explains why; despite its non-Western origins; Japanese art has earned such a vast following.
#3733819 in eBooks 2016-02-23 2016-02-23File Name: B01C59OT1O
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A compelling case for urbanismBy E. McNultyCalthorpes book is an engaging read that makes a compelling case for urbanism as a connecting concept that can unite specialties from environmentalism to urban planning in the quest to create cities that are sustainable economically; socially; and environmentally. He lays out clear choices and consequences. He also provides ammunition for those who need to make these arguments without using the phrase "climate change."The book could use a few more photographs or illustrations in its center section. Calthorpe describes various "place types" and it would be clearer if there were visuals to accompany the text. This was the only part of the book that dragged a bit. The data visuals in the front and back of the book are stunning so it is not a lack of resources or imagination.As with any true believer; Calthorpe occasionally comes under the spell of his own utopian vision. The challenges to achieving the urban future Calthorpe envisions are immense but the conceptual framework he lays out will be helpful for viewing any number of decisions from lot size restrictions to transit investments. As I read; I wanted to move to a place that Calthorpe designed. Thinking of how to make my city more like his urbanist ideal brought back the reality of dealing with multiple agencies; jurisdictions; and interests. The journey is not easy though Calthorpe makes a strong case that it is one we must make.If you are at all interested in issues of our urban future; this book is a worthy addition to your collection.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Good BookBy Mike JoeI bought this for a class I was taking. Its a very good book and I enjoyed it a lot. The content is about the same as other books but the thing that sets it apart from others is its images; charts and diagrams. Would recommend this to any architecture student; landscape student and urban planners.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nice try!By ralph desmaraisGood overview of the problem with urbanism - sadly; no one has a solution - Naomi Klein comes closest; but as Liz Kolbert has put it - "werre just too selfish" to do what is necessary to save future generations
