From Samurais to Sci-Fi: Exploring Black and Japanese Culture through Manga
East Asian art and culture have been popular in Black American communities since the 1970s, beginning with Chinese martial arts movies and now including major anime series like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and One Piece. Similarly, Black musical styles like jazz, blues, R&B, and hip-hop have thrived in Japan and have been included in shows such as Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop.
Hear from RIT’s professor of manga Kofi Bazzell-Smith about how the representation of Black culture in manga and anime can be an avenue for promoting cultural exchange and deeper understanding. It can also be an avenue for exploring speculative futures. Learn more about 'Radius: The Exhibition,' which presents a futuristic sci-fi action manga exploring the relationships between robots and their human masters. Through high-energy battles and speculative storytelling, it examines themes of autonomy, oppression, and the commodification of bodies in a world driven by entertainment and technology.
Following the program, there will be an opportunity to visit, view, and tour 'Radius: The Exhibition.'
Co-sponsored by the Cary Graphic Arts Collection and the Division of Diversity and Inclusion.
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
Yes