Women in Shanghai fashion magazines from 1930s to 1940s
中国1930-40年代上海时尚杂志中的女性形象

Monday 3rd February 2025
13:00-14:00 
Training Room 2, The McClay Library

Speaker:
Siyang Gu (顾思阳) is a PhD candidate in History from School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, QUB. His research delves into the dynamic cultural and artistic transformations of modern and contemporary China, with a particular focus on the evolving identity of Shanghai. His work examines the interplay between Chinese and Western cultures through the lens of Shanghai aesthetics, a unique synthesis of tradition, realism, craftsmanship, and romanticism that defines Shanghai’s cultural identity.

Outline:
In this talk, Siyang will explore the role of 1930s and 1940s Shanghai fashion magazines, such as Ling Long and Young Companion, as agents of societal change, redefining gender norms, consumerism, and visual storytelling. Furthermore, Siyang will investigate the contributions of photographers like Lang Jingshan, whose work challenged traditional notions of modesty and privacy surrounding the female body, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of femininity. Through these themes, his research sheds light on how Shanghai’s cultural and artistic landscape reflects broader ideological and historical shifts, highlighting its enduring significance in modern Chinese art history and cultural policy.