Journal of Urban Culture Research

Cityscape Under the Gaze of Migrant Women: The Reimagination of Urban World in Vietnamese Independent Films

2023-12-18T13:15:48+07:00

In Vietnam, since the Reform era (1986) and the government’s firm urbanization policy, replacing the pre-1986 discourse of the countryside as the Garden of Eden, a myth of the city as a place of endless pleasure has been gradually built up in mass media. As a result, the urban spectacle has become the ideal symbol of the speed of development, national strength, and masculinity in state-sponsored and commercial movies/dramas. Meanwhile, through the ‘slow cinema,’ independent female directors such as Siu Pham, Nguyen Hoang Diep, Bui Kim Quy, Pham Hoang Minh Thy, and Pham Nhue Giang have questioned the ‘urban fantasy’ from the standpoint of those who are twice marginalized in the city space: the poor female immigrants. In films from these directors, women suffer slow violence from polluted, substandard living environments and endure gender prejudice and abuse in cities. From that, those films present a new strategy of social justice in contemporary Vietnamese urban areas: ecological justice is associated with gender equity and visual equity.

Wading in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Fate and Ways Forward for Malaysian Creative Cities

2023-12-18T13:43:29+07:00

Since the 2019 Wuhan outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic badly hit all sectors of the global economy. The creative and cultural sectors (CCS) are among the hardest hit. The value chain of CCS (i.e. creation, production, distribution, accessibility to contents) was severely immobilized. In cities, mitigation measures implemented to contain Covid-19 significantly downsized the CCS. Jobs, incomes and livelihoods of creative and cultural employees were threatened. These scenarios question the readiness, resilience and sustainability of CCS, particularly in cities. The fate and way forward of creative cities are now a grave concern. This paper aims to investigate the impacts, developments, reactions and policy responses of Malaysia’s CCS and creative cities as Covid-19 unfolds. Based on primary (i.e. interviews) and secondary data, three emerging Malaysian creative cities (i.e. Kuala Lumpur, George Town and Ipoh) were studied. The findings revealed that while government assistance is forthcoming, there is still room for inclusive policies from all tiers of governments and across diverse stakeholders (i.e. private, public, civil society) to reach out to creative employees who are socio-spatially segregated in Malaysia. It is also an opportune time to revisit and reinstate Malaysia’s CCS into national development given that these sectors were sidelined even before Covid-19.

The Sociological Approach as a Driver of Change in the Traditional Wedding Attire of West Sumatra Indonesia: An Aesthetic Analysis

2023-12-20T06:59:32+07:00

The rapid development of the modern era brings unavoidable concept shifts and poses challenges, especially in fashion. The objectives of this study are: 1) to examine the understanding of fashion designers, fashion stylists, clothing rentals, and customers; 2) to evaluate the aesthetics of Minangkabau wedding attire; 3) to analyze the driver's of changes in the design aesthetics elements of traditional wedding attire based on the sociological approach theory by Arnold Hauser. This study uses a mixed-method through open-ended structured questions and focuses group discussions with a descriptive approach. The findings of this study are to determine the driving force and aspects of aesthetic changes in traditional clothing. This study proposes a conceptual framework for a sociological approach of fashion adapted from Arnold Hauser's Theory. The results showed that self-concepts in fashion design, socio-cultural changes in clothing, the role of fashion and new inventions are drivers of changes in traditional clothing aesthetics.

Culture Sustainability through Storytelling: A Study of Patricia Riley’s “Wisteria” and “Damping Down the Road”

2023-12-20T07:15:39+07:00

In the late 1980s, the United Nations introduced a comprehensive vision of sustainable development, encompassing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental balance. However, the crucial role of culture within development has very often been overlooked. Contemporary insights emphasize that culture is integral to sustainable development. This paper, through an analysis of two short stories by Native American author Patricia Riley, sheds light on the significance of storytelling as a fundamental element of culture. It explores how these narratives emphasize the need to cultivate a culturally aware society and how ‘storytelling’ contributes to cultural preservation and identity. Focusing specifically on the Native American worldview, the article underlines the significance of storytelling as a dynamic tool that bridges cultural traditions with sustainable development, promoting cultural resilience, community well-being, and fostering awareness.

Preserving Traditional Clothing Identity: An Overview of the Past and Present Uses of Aso-Oke by the Ondo People of Southwest, Nigeria

2023-12-20T07:23:06+07:00

Hand-woven fabrics such as aso-oke were the major clothing items especially for the commemoration of traditional ceremonies and festivals in Ondo land before the colonial era in Nigeria. Art historian review methods were adopted for this study by reviewing related literature. Data was gathered from both online sources and physical libraries. The population of the study include the inhabitants in Ondo town, Southwest, Nigeria. The study also used interview for data collection and the data collected was analyzed using the narrative method. This study surveyed the types of traditional aso-oke used by the Ondo people in the past and present times; and identified Alaari, Sanmiyan, Etu, Petuje and Ogungunelu as the major ones. Therefore, this study examined their uses in the past and recent times and considered developmental trends in the use of these types of aso-oke. This study dwelled more on historical records as methods of data collection. In conclusion, this study revealed that Ondo people are prominent users of aso-oke fabrics and also preserver of the cultural identity of the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria through the use of aso-oke fabrics.

Collaborative Place-making: Some Theoretical Perspectives on Sense of Place as a Motivation for Participation

2023-12-20T07:37:30+07:00

Collaborative planning is emerging as a novel approach to stakeholder participation, to create new values and products within urban planning. However, the motivations behind participating in the planning process have been limitedly addressed. Fainstein, Healey, Forester, and many planning theorists argue the necessity of public participation in urban development. Nevertheless, project-affected people may consider it a time-wasting, disinteresting and frustrating process. Therefore, the identification of significant motivation for community participation is important. This paper argues that sense of place is a significant motivator of community participation in collaborative place-making. These arguments draw upon planning theories, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and efficacy theories. This research enables researchers to perceive the benefits of sense of place in the urban planning process, offering valuable insights for urban designers, planners, and policymakers seeking to foster community participation in the realms of place-making and environmental management.

Symbolic Meaning of Mantra Ujub and Kidung in Ganti Langse Traditional Ceremony as a Guide to the Life of the People of Babadan Village, Ngawi Regency, Indonesia

2023-12-20T07:46:45+07:00

The Ganti Langse traditional ceremony is a ritual involving the replacement of the langse, which covers the Palenggahan Ageng Srigati in Babadan Village, Ngawi Regency, East Java, Indonesia. During this ceremony, various mantras, specifically ujub and kidung, are used throughout the langse replacement procession and other related rituals. This article aims to elucidate the symbolic significance of the ujub and kidung mantras within the Ganti Langse traditional ceremony at Palenggahan Ageng Srigati in Babadan Village, Ngawi Regency, and their role in the lives of the local community. The data used for this analysis consisted of the ujub and kidung mantras, collected through observations, interviews, and written documents. This collected data were subsequently analyzed using Barthes' semiotic approach to unveil the symbolic meanings behind the ujub and kidung mantras. The study revealed that these mantras hold dual meanings within the Ganti Langse traditional ceremony in Alas Srigsati, distinguishing between their denotative and connotative interpretations. Both of these meanings have practical implications in the social life of the Babadan Village community.

Liminality & Festivities Facilitating Pandemic Fatigue: Songkran and the Third Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak in Thailand

2023-12-20T07:55:01+07:00

Asian countries were outstanding performers in preventing COVID-19 initially, but many suffered from a new wave of the outbreak in mid-2020. These countries sealed off their borders from the possible spread of the virus from outside. For more than one year, social distancing restrictions were applied and successfully kept the infection rates at a low level. Drawing on the initial findings of Chang et al. (2020) on the spread of the infectious disease intracity and intercity during festivals, this paper examines the outbreaks, with a probe into the case of Songkran, or the Water Festival of Thailand. The author found that pandemic fatigue coincided with the festivities. The liminality of the festival means relaxation of norms which breaks social distancing measures. This article attempts to explain the liminality of festivals facilitating pandemic fatigue and intensifying the spread of the disease throughout the country.

Sorginak, Bruxas, Meigas, Bruixes… Performing Feminisms in Spanish Folk Revival

2023-12-20T08:07:02+07:00

The imaginaries constructed around witches and witchcraft throughout history have reflected non-accepted social conduct and behaviors. Assuming women’s bodies, knowledge, and social agency as a depiction of the savage, strange, and taboo figure. In this way, the witch linked to the feminine and negative aspects has been recently reappropriated and reshaped by feminism in the last decades. In this study case, I examine how Spanish revival folk has reflected female gender models through musical practices. The main goal of folk revival is revitalizing a countercultural movement, which shows a context of a clash of ideologies and identities. Identities and ideologies related to feminism are acted out through the aesthetics of performance and its staging. These expressive practices could be termed feminist revival folk due to the implication of the musicians with the feminist agenda. For this purpose, it is presented an analysis of cases from different bands, all of them characterized by their bonds with tradition, modernity, and gender, as it is the case of Habelas Hainas, Huntza, Punkiereteiras, Roba Estesa or Tanxugueiras. The witch as depicted by modern feminism, is used in this artistic and social movement as a rhetorical resource. The aesthetics are performed on stage and in music videos as a way of self-identification with these historically silenced, rebel, independent, and free women.

The Revolution of Calder’s Kinetic Sculpture to Public Art Space - A Case Study Setting In LACMA’s “Three Quintains”

2023-12-20T08:17:06+07:00

Alexander Calder’s profound influence on public art, particularly through his kinetic sculptures, remains a significant milestone in the contemporary art world. This study delves into Calder’s life and artistic journey, emphasizing the transformative impact of his iconic work, “Three Quintains” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The paper explores the aesthetic and theoretical foundations of Calder’s kinetic art, highlighting its delicate balance, spatial interaction, and spiritual evocations. Analyzing the sculpture’s impact on visitor experiences and community engagement, the research addresses challenges and ethical considerations related to the integration of kinetic sculptures in public spaces. Furthermore, the study envisions future trajectories for public art, envisioning advancements in technology, inclusivity, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Calder’s legacy persists as a testament to the enduring potential of art to reshape urban environments and foster cultural exchange.

Animation for Anxiety Alleviation in Pediatric Cancer Patients During Venipuncture in the Hospital

2023-12-20T08:27:25+07:00

This preliminary study focused on the use of animation to reduce anxiety among pediatric cancer patients undergoing venipuncture in the hospital. It was conducted on 30 pediatric cancer patients aged 5-9 years. The Pretest- Posttest study method was applied in which the level of anxiety was measured before and after viewing the film and then it was analyzed to determine whether the animation could help relieve anxiety in the study population. The results demonstrated that with the use of the animation with visual fantasy in which a monster symbolized the pain young patients must endure during blood draws and a positive mindset toward such procedures were presented, 20 and 25 patients felt comfortable before and after viewing the animation, respectively. Four patients felt slightly anxious before and after the film. Two patients felt uneasy before viewing while no patients did after viewing. One patient experienced a high anxiety level before and after the animation. In addition, one patient was most nervous before, whereas none was after the viewing. It was concluded that by presenting the stories with a positive perspective and using symbols in the visual fantasy style, animation films can relieve anxiety in pediatric cancer patients undergoing blood sampling.

More is Sore: A Literature Review of the Urban Morphology Characters of Depressing Living Conditions

2023-12-20T08:35:49+07:00

Urbanization promises a better life in cities, drawing more individuals seeking space and opportunity. However, these aspirations often result in distressing and sore living conditions. Using literature review methods, this research seeks to achieve two primary objectives: firstly, to identify elements significantly impacting mental health and contributing to stress in urban settings; and secondly, to summarize strategies within the built environment to improve the quality of live. The limitations of this research is focusing on elements discerned from existing literature and filtered by the case for high density urban. The study focuses on urban morphology elements: buildings, streets, and plots. It highlights significant factors gathered from current literature. For example, the building element delves into features like windows and sky views factor, while the street element assesses their potential role in traffic congestion. Additionally, the plot element scrutinizes the influence of green and blue spaces within urban landscapes.

Revenge Concept as Manifested in Drawings and Narratives of Ultra-orthodox vs. Secular Israeli Jews

2023-12-20T08:45:30+07:00

The current study investigates the revenge concept of ultra-orthodox and secular Israeli Jews, manifesting in drawings and narratives. The convenient sample consisted of thirty-three participants aged 23-61 (12 ultra-orthodox and 21 seculars). This mix-methodology study included the qualitative part, which are two sets of drawings and narratives – “draw an unjust event you experienced” and “draw what you would prefer to happen to the person who unjustly treated you;” and the quantitative part included a self-report questionnaire of the following measures: demographics, history of traumatic events, and feelings of injustice. Comparison between the two groups revealed no differences in the drawings and narratives, however, Orthodox Jews reported higher exposure to sexual abuse. The sexual abuse group showed a significant tendency to include words and physical touch between the victim and the perpetrator in the first drawing. A level of narrative organization was low in those with a history of sexual abuse.

Beyond Borders: A Comprehensive Exploration of Tumpat, Kelantan's Culture-Infused Economic Landscape

2023-12-20T09:14:41+07:00

The culture-based economy holds a crucial role in rural Southeast Asian regions, yet it remains relatively unexplored. This study delves into traditional food products, handicrafts, and cultural goods, examining their factors and significance in Tumpat, Kelantan. Employing semi-structured interviews with local entrepreneurs and inductive content analysis, the research identifies two main categories: factors influencing business initiation and the significance of a clustered pattern in culture-based enterprises. Business location in Tumpat is notably influenced by familial land heritage, resource accessibility, transportation convenience, and labor availability. Businesses adopt a clustered pattern to reduce production costs, share information, and enhance market reach. Beyond comprehending the driving factors, the study advocates for increased support in developing nations, emphasizing the pivotal role of culture-based economic activities in shaping Tumpat, Kelantan's socio-economic landscape.

The Possibility of Using Acrylic Plates to Replace Copper Ones in Intaglio Printmaking in Thailand

2023-12-20T09:28:17+07:00

This research's aim is to experiment with acrylic plates in the four Intaglio Printmaking processes of Drypoint, Hard Ground, Soft Ground and Aquatint as an alternative to the normally used copper plates, which are more expensive and must be purchased from a specialized vendor, and its processes involve the usage of chemicals that may affect health. Experiments in this research show that using acrylic plates with alternative processes can reduce intricate workflows, reduce workspace and costs involved, since this process requires less equipment and materials to be used, and more importantly reduce chemical consumption. Thus, making it beneficial for artists, art schools, the community and individuals who have an interest in alternative printmaking processes of this type.

Reinventing Indigenous West African Fabric Design for Contemporary Commercial Application

2023-12-20T09:37:03+07:00

This study explores and reflects on the potential of global commercial application of indigenous West African fabric design in the middle to high-end interior textiles and surfaces. The study adopts design theory which encourages innovation and creativity in concepts for effective solutions. Theoretically, ideas have been utilized as a method of bringing to light the veiled aspects of practice in indigenous West African fabric production alongside its diverse and complex cultural connections. There is a practical component of the study utilizes a series of ‘collaborations’ with technology, new textile materials, color resources and global trends to generate forms or visual language that is then translated into commercial designs based on indigenous West African fabric themes. The experimentation has adapted traditional artistic and graphic aesthetics (symbols, design motifs, totems and insignia), creatively manipulating them via digital technology and using a mechanized printing process for completion. The designs exemplify a modern adaptation of indigenous West African design symbols for wider global markets which is hoped, will accelerate the transformation of such design forms for the contemporary market. It is anticipated that the new designs will continue to re-define indigenous West African textile expressions and their applications globally.

Sacred and Profane Dialectics: A Study of Kecak Ramayana Performing Arts at Uluwatu Temple, Bali Indonesia

2023-12-20T09:44:36+07:00

This research focuses on the Ramayana Kecak tourist art in Pecatu Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali. The goal is to study the sacred and profane practices in the Ramayana Kecak. In this case the practice of entertainment is accompanied by religious spiritual practices. The method used is a descriptive critical analysis using data from interviews with key informants, observations and a document review. A functional structural theory is used to study the ideas, statements, activities and strategic efforts of the Ramayana Kecak performers. The results are based on the prospective AGIL theory, which explains sacred and profane practices through: (1) Adaptation: Ramayana Kecak is adapted as a main source of livelihood; (2) Goal Attainment: the village community develops the Ramayana Kecak to improve its economy; (3) Integration: the community integrates artistic and spiritual activities; (4) Latency Pattern Maintenance: bonds of kinship, solidarity, and social tolerance are built between artists, the community, and the audience.

Journal Policies

2023-12-20T09:54:20+07:00

The Interplay of Humans, AI and Creativity: Shaping the Future of Art & Design

2023-12-18T13:03:01+07:00