Invitation to the Defense of Ye La An
The Institute for Fine Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna kindly invites you to the defense of Ye La An´s dissertation project Analysis of the Representation of Contemporary Korean Films through (New) Orientalism and Feminism.
The Examination Panel is made up of: Ruby Jana Sircar (chair), Marina Gržinić-Mauhler (supervisor), Anette Baldauf (Member of the Curricula Commission), and Barbara Wall (external appraiser, University of Copenhagen).
Abstract
This dissertation, which analyzes contemporary Korean films through the lenses of (new) Orientalism and feminism, focuses on gender discrimination and the subjugation of women in Korean society. The portrayal of female characters in Korean films often reinforces gender stereotypes and reflects societal gender inequality and misogyny in South Korea. Therefore, the central themes of this dissertation are violence against women, the portrayal of women as objects of male desire, women’s obligation to produce offspring, and the exploitation of female labor rights, all of which are examined against the backdrop of Korean culture and sociopolitical history based on feminist film studies and feminist theory.
This paper considers the impact of military regimes, military conscription, and the division between South and North Korea on South Korean society, gender hierarchy, and Korean masculinity. It also explores the influence of Western institutions and hegemony on Korean society, particularly regarding power dynamics, cultural influence, and economic realities. Finally, it examines how the positive reputation of Western festivals and institutions perpetuates discriminatory images and stereotypes in Korean movies.
Short biography
Ye La An was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1987. She currently lives and works in Vienna, Austria. She completed her Magister of Fine Arts in Post-Conceptual Art Practices with Prof. Dr. Marina Gržinić at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna in 2017. Her research focuses on how mass media perpetuates discrimination by categorizing and representing individuals based on age, gender, physical ability, ethnicity, religion, and social class.
The thesis defense will be in English and will take place at the Academy of Fine Arts at Schillerplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, in room M13 and also online via Zoom.
Zoom-Link: https://akbild-ac-at.zoom.us/j/65976621093
Meeting-ID: 659 7662 1093
We are looking forward to welcoming you.