KOALALAND

In my continuous endeavor to map the cultural identity and sense of belonging among individuals in London, I engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with a Chinese multi-displicinary visual artist and tech expert today.

Yu Chen, multi-displicinary visual artist, graduated from MA of information experience design, Royal College of Arts.

The insights gleaned from this conversation have proven invaluable, offering fresh perspectives on my project.

Q: How do visual arts play a role in helping individuals explore and express their cultural identity in a city as diverse as London?

As a visual artist, I see art as a language that speaks where words sometimes cannot. In a city brimming with diversity, art can highlight personal stories and cultural dialogues. For your project, consider the elements that trigger emotions and memories for your participants – these are the keys to their cultural identities.

Q: During city walks, what should I capture to reflect the participants’ cultural experiences?

Encourage your participants to document what catches their eye or stirs their emotions. These spontaneous captures, be it through a quick photo or a scribble in a notebook, will be the genuine expressions of their cultural encounters.

Q: “Making collage of personal identity” is widely used to reflect individual’s cultural identity. Considering organising this kind of collage workshop (no matter online or physical) will take too much time for participants which will reduce their desire to attend, do you have any suggestions?

Using AI drawing tool could be considered as it could not only generate the picture very fast, but also help you to cover people who is not good at drawing or making collage. What’ important ,there’s no need for participants prepare anything in advance.

Q: How can AI assist in creating personalized cultural maps that reflect complex cultural identities?

AI can sort through the rich data from your walks, identifying patterns and preferences. Just remember, the technology should amplify personal stories, not replace them. Keep your participants involved in the process to ensure their stories are told authentically.

Q: How to ensure the AI-created maps respect individual uniqueness while also showing their global connections?

Balance is essential. When you design your AI system, it needs to be flexible enough to recognize and celebrate individuality. At the same time, it should draw connections to the broader global narrative that each person is a part of.

Q: How to balance artistic freedom with a deep understanding of participants’ cultural backgrounds?

Start with empathy and research. Your interventions should be rooted in the real stories and backgrounds of your participants. Create spaces where they feel safe to express their cultural narratives – that’s where the most authentic art comes from.

Q: Do you have any other suggestions on my project?

Considering to move to 3D can bring a new level of depth and interaction to your work. It’s an exciting step that can make the cultural journey more tangible for participants. Collaborate with experts in 3D visualization to ensure the experience is immersive and accessible to all.

After the interview, I start to conduct the research on AI-based tools for creating digital arts. According to Aela (2023), using AI drawing tool could generate a large variety of images quickly and efficiently. AI-based digital creation tool can open up new possibilities for artists and designers, , allowing them to create stunning and abstract works of art.

Then, I decide to discover if AI drawing tool- Midjourney could satisfy with my requirement on generate the “personal cultural map” and how the output and effect are.

Reference:

Aela, E. (2023). Artificial Intelligence: How AI is Changing Art. [online] aelaschool.com. Available at: https://aelaschool.com/en/art/artificial-intelligence-art-changes/ [Accessed 3 Nov. 2023].

Redefined Research Question:

How can individuals navigate the complexities of their personal identity in an urban context?

Work Plan

Following the insights from last week’s “London City Walk” intervention, the upcoming agenda is strategically designed to deepen the understanding of how city spaces influence cultural identity and belonging and the complexities of personal cultural identity.

1. Expert Interview: I will conduct interviews with relevant experts (psychology and virtual arts) to further examine the intricate relationship between urban environments and personal cultural narratives. This discussion aims to a. build upon the reflections and themes that emerged from the city walk, enhancing our theoretical framework; b. to seek experts’ advice on the “personalised individual’s cultural map” intervention.
2. Collage and Drawing Tool Experimentation: According to the research, “A cultural mosaic is presented as a framework to identify demographic, geographic, and associative features underlying culture. An individual’s unique collage of multiple cultural identities yields a complex picture of the cultural influences on that person” (Chao and Moon, 2005). And the inspiration of below video, collage is widely used to visually represent individuals’ complex cultural identities in art and psychology fields. I am considering to organise a collage & drawing workshop to deepen the understand of my research question. However, taking into account the experience and lessons from last intervention, I would like to cover as many participants as possible and with more diverse backgrounds. At the same time, it is also considered that it should not take too long time for participants joining the intervention which will reduce their desire to attend the intervention. I am trying to use other methods to do collage to reduce the time but attract people to join.

What

Research Question:

How can (Chinese) individuals (living in London) navigate their cultural identity and sense of belonging in a globalisation context?

The most recent intervention was a “City Walk in London”. Inspired by the relevant expert Yu Chen, who is the visual artist graduated from RCA and now living in London, I would employ city observation and experiments with imagery and sound as research methods. The walk was designed to enable participants to explore and identify with specific locations or things in London that they connect with culturally. The “City Walk in London” includes “Hybrid city walk in London” (Survey) + ” Physical City Walk in London”.

Why:

Building on the insights gathered from the initial research into the complex cultural identity from Hong Kong cinema and the secondary research on the relations between “city”, “space” and “cultural identity”, this walk aimed to further explore “what elements in a city contribute to individual complicated cultural identity” and test “how people perceive the cities they live in” by using a practical way.

1. From Movies to London Life: I started by looking at Hong Kong movies and how they show the city’s life. These movies taught me that the places we go, the sounds we hear, the food we eat, and things we use can tell us a lot about who we are. Just like in the movies, these things help make up our story.
2. The movies made it clear that things like a busy street, the clang of a tram, the taste of a local dish, or a traditional hat aren’t just there for show. They mean something special to us and help make up our complicated cultural story.
3. So, I decided to take this idea for a walk—literally, in London. I wanted to see if people could find parts of their own stories by exploring the city just like movie characters do. By walking around London, taking photos, and seeing which parts of the city felt important to them, everyone could find a piece/pieces of their own culture, just like catching a special scene in a movie.

HOW

1. Survey: A “Hybrid City Walk” survey was initially conducted to collect data on what aspects of London resonate with people’s sense of cultural identity. The survey received 10 responses, each highlighting different aspects like location, food, and objects.
2. Physical Walk: Based on the survey feedback, a physical walk was organized. A pre-planned route was shared with participants, and they were encouraged to photograph elements along the way that they felt connected to their cultural identity.

Process

• Hybrid City Walk In London (online survey)

The questions appear to be about identity in relation to culture and the feeling of belonging in London, specifically among individuals who may have diverse or international backgrounds. There were 10 participants provided their perspectives on the cultural identity and sense of belonging via conducting the “hybrid city walk” and finished the survey. Above is the consolidated pics and stories they shared for this project.

Summary and Analysis:

Identity in relation to the city:

• Several respondents identify themselves in terms of their national or cultural origin, such as “Chinese international student,” indicating that their identity in the city is closely tied to their home culture.
• Terms like “across culture /interdisciplinary” and “mix culture” suggest that some individuals perceive their identity as being influenced by multiple cultures, possibly as a result of their exposure to the diverse environment of London.
• Two respondent feels like a “newcomer” and “new immigrant” in London, highlighting a transitional phase in their identity as they adapt to the new urban environment.

Sense of belonging in London:

• The conditionality of belonging is expressed with responses like “sometimes yes,” implying that belonging may be situational or dependent on specific experiences.
• Internationality and community are factors that enhance belonging, as seen in responses that mention the international nature of the city or the presence of a community from their homeland.
• Practical aspects such as studying or working in London, as well as investments like paying rent and taxes, are cited as reasons for feeling a sense of belonging, suggesting they contribute to the city.
• Social connections, such as living with family or meeting certain people, are also central to the sense of belonging, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in the experience of the city.

From these insights, we can see that personal identity and the sense of belonging in an urban environment like London are multifaceted and influenced by a combination of cultural, social, and practical factors. The cityscape provides a backdrop against which individuals negotiate their sense of self and community, with various elements of the city playing a role in reinforcing or challenging their cultural identity and feelings of belonging.

Reflection on the “hybrid city walk”: Survey design shortcomings and improvements

Shortcomings:

1. Limited Demographic Data: The survey seems to lack detailed demographic questions, which could provide more context for the responses.
2. Open-Ended Responses: While rich in detail, open-ended questions without structured options can make it hard to analyze data consistently.
3. Question Clarity: Some questions might be too broad or vague, leading to a wide range of answers that can be difficult to categorize.

Improvements:

1. Include Demographic Questions: Add questions about age, occupation, length of stay in London, and other factors that might affect identity and belonging.
2. Balance Open and Closed Questions: Use a mix of open-ended questions for depth and closed questions (like multiple-choice) for easier analysis.
3. Clear and Specific Questions: Make questions as specific as possible to guide respondents in their answers.
4. Pilot Testing: Conduct a pilot survey to test the questions with a small group and refine them based on feedback.
5. Anonymous Responses: Ensure anonymity to encourage honesty, especially if discussing sensitive topics like cultural identity.

2. City Walk in London (Physical)

The pre-planned route included areas in Soho, Chinatown, London Eye, and Covent Garden—places that are popular among the Chinese community in London. 4 participants joined the “city walk” and they all conducted the pre-event survey (hybrid city walk).

Summary & Analysis :

1. Mayna at the Fabric Store:
   • Theme: Professional and Personal Identity
   • Emotion: Pride and Sentimentality
   • Summary: Mayna feels a strong connection to the fabric store as it resonates with her identity as a designer. The textures and colors are not just materials for her; they are a part of her creative expression and professional life.
2. Nini at Uniqlo:
   • Theme: Family Bonds and the Impact of Globalization
   • Emotion: Reflection and Connection
   • Summary: Nini’s visit to Uniqlo underscores her personal ties with her family, as the brand holds sentimental value due to her family’s preference for it. The store serves as a tangible link to her family’s traditions amidst a backdrop of globalization. While Uniqlo represents a global retail force, for Nini, it is a comforting reminder of her familial bonds and the way global trends intersect with personal history.
3. Yan at Bar Termini:
   • Theme: Professional Identity and Personal Achievement
   • Emotion: Pride and Nostalgia
   • Summary: For Yan, Bar Termini is a symbol of her professional journey and accomplishments. The bar, located in Soho, is not just related to Hong Kong culture, but rather it stands as a reminder of the hard work and dedication she has put into her career. The pride in her past efforts and the nostalgia for the times when she was actively working towards her professional goals are the emotions that resonate with her in this setting.
4. Anitasia at the Korean Restaurant:
   • Theme: Cultural Passion and Identity Expression
   • Emotion: Excitement and Belonging
   • Summary: Anitasia’s love for K-pop is evident in her choice of the Korean restaurant. The place is a slice of cultural passion where she can express her identity and feel a sense of belonging through the familiar language and music.

Common Points:

• Personal Connections: Each participant has found a place in London that resonates with their personal identity or history. Whether it’s a profession, hobby, family ties, or cultural background, the locations they’ve chosen are deeply meaningful to them personally.
• Nostalgia: There’s a strong sense of nostalgia across the stories. For Mayna and Yan, it’s about their professional past and the pride in their achievements; for Nini, it’s the family connection through a global brand; for Anitasia, it’s the emotional resonance with cultural elements from K-pop.
• Cultural Identity: All participants draw from cultural aspects in their selected locations. They seek out spaces that reflect their cultural interests, be it fashion, music, or a global brand with personal significance.
• Urban Diversity: The variety of locations chosen by the participants highlights London’s diversity, illustrating how the city caters to different aspects of cultural identity and belonging.

Different Points:

• Source of Connection:
  • Mayna connects with her identity as a designer through the tangible aspects of fabrics.
  • Nini finds connection through family and the implications of a global brand on her personal life.
  • Yan relates to a place that reminds her of her hardworking professional identity.
  • Anitasia’s connection is through her passion for K-pop, which is tied to the cultural elements of a Korean restaurant.
• Type of Identity:
  • Mayna and Yan focus on their professional identities.
  • Nini’s story is intertwined with familial identity and the broader context of globalization.
  • Anitasia’s identity connection is through a leisure activity that speaks to her cultural interests.
• Emotional Response:
  • Mayna and Yan feel pride and nostalgia related to their professional experiences.
  • Nini experiences reflection on her family ties within the context of a globalized world.
  • Anitasia expresses excitement and a sense of belonging through her cultural passion.
• In conclusion, while each participant has a unique story, the overarching theme is the search for spaces within the city that reflect and reaffirm their individual identities and histories. London, with its multitude of cultural offerings, provides each participant with a different avenue to explore and connect with their sense of self.

Reflection: Shortcomings and Improvements

Shortcomings:

1. Intervention Timing: Hosting the intervention on a Friday may have limited participation due to potential conflicts with work or personal schedules.
2. Planning and Promotion: The event may not have been advertised well enough in advance, which could explain the limited number of participants.
3. Sample Diversity: The small group of participants may not provide a comprehensive view of the city’s cultural landscape.
4. Depth of Stories: The brevity of the provided stories might not fully capture the nuanced experiences of the participants.
5. Emotional Range: The focus seems to be on positive associations, potentially overlooking places that represent challenging aspects of identity.
6. Subjectivity in Interpretation: Reliance on subjective narrative analysis could introduce bias.
7. Follow-up: There is a lack of follow-up to assess the long-term impact on participants.

Improvements:

1. Better Timing and Organization: Planning the intervention for a more inclusive time and promoting it more effectively could increase participation.
2. Wider Participation: Engaging a broader demographic would enrich the data collected.
3. In-Depth Interviews: Additional qualitative data from interviews could provide more context to the participants’ choices.
4. Longitudinal Approach: A longer-term study would reveal more about the evolving nature of cultural identity in relation to urban spaces.
5. Quantitative Data: Complementing stories with quantitative data could give a more balanced analysis.
6. Guided Reflection: Structured reflection tools might encourage deeper insights during the walk.

Positive Aspects to Leverage:

• Prior Surveys: All participants had completed the “hybrid city” surveys before the walk, which provides a valuable baseline for comparison.
• Different Settings Reflection: The ability to compare participants’ reflections in different contexts (survey vs. city walk) can offer insights into how different environments influence people’s expression of their cultural identities.

Conclusion

The London City Walk intervention vividly illustrated the complexity and multifaceted nature of personal cultural identity. Despite participants sharing a similar Chinese or Hong Kong cultural background and exploring the same urban space of London, the diversity in their responses was striking. Each individual’s photos, videos, and stories reflected unique perspectives and connections to the city. Discussed with my tutor, this diversity has led to refining the research question to “How can individuals navigate the complexities of their personal cultural identity within an urban context?” Moving forward, my initial idea of the next intervention will explore the use of collage or painting as mediums to express the intricacies of cultural identity perceived by individuals living in different cities. This artistic approach aims to capture and communicate the nuanced understanding of one’s evolving cultural identity in varied urban landscapes.

Some Secondary Research…

Since my project’s theme is “hybrid city”, when we talk about “city”, it could be related to “space” , “location”, “culture” and “identity”.

Inspired by “The Poetics of Space” by Gaston Bachelard, spaces aren’t just physical constructs; they also serve as metaphors for psychological states. Bachelard introduces the concept of “space-time,” asserting that spaces become meaningful through the memories and experiences we associate with them and emphasizes the role of imagination in experiencing space. Spaces take on different meanings depending on the individual’s personal experiences and memories. Therefore, the same space can evoke different emotional responses in different people.

Besides, I have got the inspiration from “Place Attachment: Advances in Theory, Methods, and Applications” . The book indicates “Place attachments are powerful emotional bonds that form between people and their physical surroundings. They inform our sense of identity, create meaning in our lives, facilitate community, and influence action. ”

What’s more, the American urban planner Kevin Lynch’s “The Image of the City” indicates that “how people perceive the cities they live in and he found that people use the built environment- streets, walls, districts, monuments -to form a mental map of the place where we live.” And he also pointed out that when we talk about how we experience and make sense of a city, “people and their activities, are as important as the stationary physical parts”.

Furthermore, the book “Look Here“by Ana Kinsella, is about exploring the delight to be found in everyday interactions and chance observations in London City inspired me a lot. It illustrates an affecting map of London, navigating ideas of anonymity and identity, freedom, ownership and community.

Reference:

1. “The Poetics of Space” by Gaston Bachelard
2. “Place Attachment: Advances in Theory, Methods, and Applications” by Lynne C. Manzo and Patrick Devine-Wright
3. “The Image of the City” by Kevin Lynch
4. “Look Here” by Ana Kinsella

Redefining Research Question…

Above reading (secondary researches), case studies and coffee chats with people inspired me a lot! I redefine my Research Question as :

How can (Chinese) Individuals living in London navigate their cultural identity and sense of belongings under a globalisation context?

Then consulted with expert in Visual Communication, the visual artist Yu Chen, who graduated from RCA. I’m considering to try to utilize city observation and experiments with imagery and sound as research methods. On one hand, individuals create emotional attachments to objects, smells, and other sensory experiences in the places where they live. On the other hand, they also seek to form new emotional connections when they move to new environments.

Next Steps:

1. Personal City Walk: First, I plan to take a city walk in London from my own perspective. During this walk, I’ll capture spaces or objects that I feel connect with my identity. I’ll then edit these into a video log, which I’ll refer to as my “Hybrid City Log.”
2. Peers’ Perspectives: I’ll also invite my friends to do the same. Participants will be invited to take a city walk in London and capture elements that resonate with his identity, creating his/ her own “Hybrid City Log.”
3. Community Involvement: For a broader perspective, I plan to host a community city walk in London. Participants will be selected based on their submitted identity research. I’ll pre-plan a route tailored to these identities. During the walk, participants will capture their own spaces and objects, creating their individual logs. These could be in the form of vlogs or plogs.
4. Post-Walk Discussion: After the walk, I plan to hold a discussion to explore whether participants gained new insights into their own identities through this experience.

Navigating Cultural Identity in Adoption in Wales

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-65858230

The BBC article “Adoption: Welsh young people hope to break identity struggle taboo” focuses on how these individuals navigate their cultural identities within an urban context, specifically looking at their experiences and perceptions.

Background

Adoption, often enveloped in societal taboos and misconceptions, presents unique challenges in the formation of cultural identity. This is particularly evident in urban settings where diverse cultural backgrounds converge. This case study examines the societal context of Wales, known for its rich cultural heritage, and how it influences the identity formation of adopted individuals.

Case Description

The primary subject of this case study is Mimi Woods, a 22-year-old adopted from Thailand, living in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire. Mimi’s experiences, alongside insights from other young welsh adopted individuals, are explored. The case study is enriched with narratives from a bilingual podcast created by these individuals, discussing their adoption experiences.

Methodology

The primary source of data for this case study is the BBC article. It provides qualitative data through interviews and personal stories of the adopted individuals. This study employs a narrative analysis approach to understand the impact of adoption on cultural identity within an urban Welsh context.

Findings

Mimi Woods’ story highlights a complex blend of cultural identities. Despite her Thai origin, she shows a deep connection with Welsh cultural. The case study reveals challenges around belonging and identity, especially in a society where physical appearance can be a basis for cultural association. The podcast project initiated by these individuals serves as a testament to the power of shared experiences in understanding and navigating cultural identity.

Discussion

This case study sheds light on the realities of adopted individuals in urban settings. It challenges common stereotypes about adoption and emphasises the importance of supportive communities. The findings highlight a significant aspect of urban cultural dynamics – the coexistence of multiple identities and the role of personal narratives in navigating them.

Conclusion

The experiences of Mimi and her peers underscore the complex interplay between adoption, cultural identity, and urban living. This case study emphasised the need for more inclusive narratives and support systems in urban settings to aid individuals in their journey of self-discovery and belonging.

Exploring Muslim Cultural Identity in Wales

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61915359

This BBC article “Islam: Winning photo celebrates Muslims’ Wales connection” focuses on understanding how Muslim individuals in Wales navigate and express their cultural identities in an urban context through the medium of photography.

Background

Wales’ Muslim community is an integral part of the country’s diverse culture. This case study explores how the natural landscapes and urban environments of Wales interact with influence the cultural identity of its Muslim inhabitants, focusing on their day-to-day experiences and spiritual reflections.

Case Description

The primary source of analysis is the photography competition that celebrates the Islamic faith and the everyday lives of Muslims in Wales. The competition, a collaboration between Cardiff University’s The Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK, the Muslim Council of Wales, and Now In A Minute Media, showcases a variety of perspectives from the Muslim community in Wales.

1. Muhammad Muhsin Abd Rahman’s Photograph: The winning image, taken by Muhammad Muhsin Abd Rahman from Wrexham, features a woman gazing over Snowdonia, symbolizing a moment of reflection and connection with nature. This photograph encapsulates the integration of Islamic spirituality with the Welsh landscape, portraying a serene blend of religious and cultural identity.
2. Abyd Quinn Aziz’s Entry: The second-place photograph by Abyd Quinn Aziz from Cardiff captures a group of laughing Muslim girls in the city center. This image is celebrated for its depiction of the energy, vitality, and spontaneity of young Muslims, illustrating their dynamic presence in the urban landscape of Wales.
3. Sajad Ahmad’s Sunset Shot: Awarded third place, Sajad Ahmad’s photograph of Bracelet Bay and Mumbles Head on the Gower Peninsula links the practice of Islam with natural phenomena. He correlates the significance of the sun in both photography and Islamic practices, such as determining prayer times, reflecting the interplay between religious rituals and everyday life.
4. Other Entries and Narratives: Additional entries in the competition, while not detailed in the article, collectively contribute to the narrative of Muslims in Wales. These photographs likely capture various other aspects of Muslim life, from everyday routines to special moments, each adding a unique thread to the tapestry of Muslim cultural identity in Wales.

Each of these cases offers a distinct perspective on the Muslim experience in Wales, reflecting on themes of spirituality, youth, connection to nature, and the interweaving of religious practices with daily life. These diverse photographic narratives provide a rich array of insights into how Muslims in Wales navigate their cultural identity in an urban context.

Methodology

The data for this case study is derived from the descriptions and themes of the photographs mentioned in the BBC article. A thematic analysis approach is employed to interpret these visual narratives, focusing on how they reflect the participants’ cultural identity and relationship with their Welsh environment.

Findings

The images collectively depict a community that is deeply rooted in its Islamic faith while simultaneously embracing its Welsh identity.

Discussion

This case study reveals the multifaceted nature of Muslim cultural identity in Wales. The photographs demonstrate how Muslims in Wales navigate their dual identities, finding balance and harmony between their religious beliefs and their connection to the Welsh environment. The case study also highlights the power of visual storytelling in expressing and exploring cultural identity in urban settings.

Conclusion

The photography competition serves as a lens to view the rich and diverse experiences of Muslims in Wales. It underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the pluralistic nature of cultural identities in urban environments. This case study contributes to a deeper understanding of how Muslims in Wales navigate their cultural identities, blending their religious heritage with their Welsh surroundings.

Reflection

1. Both cases highlight how individuals integrate their cultural backgrounds with their Welsh identity. This integration illustrates the multifaceted nature of cultural identity in urban settings, where diverse cultures coexist and influence each other.
2. The use of creative mediums (a podcast in the adoption article and photography in the Islam article) demonstrates how creative expression can be a powerful tool for exploring and affirming one’s identity. These platforms allow individuals to share their stories and experiences, contributing to a richer understanding of their cultural identities.
3. Both articles emphasise the importance of a supportive community in fostering a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through shared experiences among adopted individuals or the Muslim creative community in Wales, these networks play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their cultural identities.
4. The urban context of Wales serves as a backdrop for both stories, highlighting how urban environments can both challenge and enrich the process of identity formation. The urban setting provides a space where diverse cultures intersect, offering unique opportunities for cultural exchange and integration.
5. The individuals in both articles navigate the complexities of having dual or multiple identities – being Welsh and belonging to another cultural or ethnic group. This dual identity is a common theme in urban settings, where people often negotiate multiple cultural influences.
6. Both cases show a movement towards recognizing and celebrating cultural diversity in Wales. This recognition is essential for fostering an inclusive urban environment where all cultural identities are valued and respected.

Today I discussed with my colleagues in coffee shop about ” what is your identity”. I asked 3 colleagues they are all from European cultural background. 2 of them would first think of what I aksed is their “prons”. This is very interesting because I found that it is quite different from my understanding and definition of “identity”.

Then I explained to them about my project is to explore how can individuals (someone like us as international students or immigrants or working or living in London in some purpose find their identity and establish a sense of self-belonging in a globalization context. After that, they realised that what I want to ask is their “cultural identity”. ( I realized that I should clearly put “cultural identity” in my research question, so that my target audiences could understand what I refer to.

So what is “cultural identity”? According to Hall, S. (1996), cultural identity refers to a person’s sense of belonging to a particular cultural group, shaped by factors such as language, customs, beliefs, and shared history. It acts as a lens through which individuals perceive the world and are perceived by it. Cultural identity is often complex, as people can identify with multiple cultural groups simultaneously, especially in a globalized world.

Reference:

Hall, S. (1996). “Introduction: Who Needs Identity?”. In S. Hall & P. Du Gay (Eds.), Questions of Cultural Identity (pp. 1-17). London: Sage.

I got a very interesting feedback of the “identity” from my french colleague as below:) Lovely~

At the same time, another colleague, whose national identity is Lithuannia told me as an imigrant people in London, he can find his self-belonging in his current home in London because he is living with his family (sister). At the same time, the workplace (coffee shop) is another place makes him feel the connection of self-belonging, because he works here and earn money and can make a better life in the future.

And another Italian colleague, when we talked about London and identity, she said she loves London because London gave her space to find her identity (the real her, it’s related to her cultural identity about her interests in Concert).Just like the book ” Look Here, On the pleasures of observing the city” says:

“It’s strange when you go home. It feels like it’s difficult sometimes to bring your “London self” with you.

London must be the best place for people to just be however they are. It’s not about being accepted for who you are. It’s just about the British culture of not caring, multiplied by people being too busy in their own lives to care about you.

All of these factors make it perfect to just do what you want, were what you want, be what you want.”

“Look Here, On the pleasures of observing the city” by Ana Kinsella

Of course, it cannot be denied, she hates London’s high living cost which makes everyone feel stressful.

Last night, I attended the London East Asia Film Festival 2023 and watched a Hong Kong movie titled <Mad Fate>. As soon as I stepped into the cinema, an air of familiarity enveloped me, making it far from an ordinary movie-going experience.

Firstly, the atmosphere within the cinema immediately gave me a unique sense of belonging. Ads from Invest Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific played on the screen, creating a warm ambiance. Adding to the exotic allure, a bartender from Hong Kong was specially invited to perform a cocktail-making demonstration outside the cinema. All of this was made possible because the screening was an exclusive event hosted by Invest Hong Kong and the East Asia Film Festival, specifically dedicated to Hong Kong cinema. Most of the staff outside the cinema and audiences in the cinema were from Hong Kong and spoke Cantonese, which added to my feeling of familiarity and security.

After the movie, I happened upon a British individual near the exit. At first, I didn’t pay much attention until he asked me in fluent Chinese, “What did you think of the movie?” I was stunned. Upon further conversation, I learned he had lived in Shanghai for three years and had a deep interest in Chinese culture. He could even list some of his favorite Chinese movies, which took me by surprise.

This experience reinforced my understanding of how identity and a sense of belonging are established and affected across different cultural and geographical contexts. It provided a valuable case study for my research project, further clarifying the diverse means through which identity and belonging can be explored and understood.

In this week, I completed a 3 + minute short film ( I think it’s a drafted video at this stage) composed of snippets and dialogues from various Hong Kong movies (most from Wong Kar-Wai’s films). The video was to emphasize the connection between “individual identity” (who am I) and the city Hong Kong. I sent this version video to 8 people living in London (my target audiences) – 5 from Hong Kong aged between 35-45 and have moved to London for more than 2 years, and 3 from mainland China aged 25-34, and came to London less than 2 years. I gained the feedback in one to one conversation from Hong Kong audiences and have a small group discussion with mainland Chinese audiences in hybrid way (online and offline). Their feedback provided me with fresh perspectives, which I will discuss below. (As my target audiences all know I’m not the professional in video edition, their feedbacks will not involve the quality of the video edition at this stage)

Feedback Summary

Hong Kong Audiences

I can say it’s an artistic presentation of HK culture, which shows only one side. But that is definitely HK culture and feeling.

comments from one of the HK audiences

1. Cultural Resonance and Nostalgia: Most of them are fans of Director Wong Kar Wai and this age group found some scenes or dialogues reminiscent of their past days working/living in Hong Kong.
2. Identity and Multiculturalism: They can understand why I put these snipperts and selected these dialogues in the video and what I intend to express, but all of them cannot be really touched via watching this video becuase it looks not like a whole story, like fragments instead. And they suggested me to include some elements of London in the video so that to prompt deeper reflections on cultural and identity interplay as they’re Hong Kong people but now living in UK.

Mainland Chinese Audiences

1. Lack of Relatability: The mainland audience felt disconnected from the video due to unfamiliarity with the movies, language, and settings of Hong Kong. (suggested to add the subtitle)
2. Inclusion of London: They suggested that including elements of London and mainland China, one is their current place of resience and a city known for its multiculturalism, and another enhances relatability and empathy with mainland viewers, which would make the video more relatable and engaging.

Reflections on Feedback

1. The 1st edition video started from my own prefernce and connection with Hong Kong and Hong Kong cinema, there’s no whole story in the video, I have to consider to draft a story to make the target audiences understand what I intend to do.
2. Both Hong Kong and mainland audeinces suggested me to include London elements into the video and make it more engaging if the next intervention will still happen in London.
3. The interaction with stakeholders in this intervention is not enough which affected the feedbacks collected are not comprehensive. This time, the post discussion is a free style discussion. I didn’t design a questionaire or set specific questions/topics to invite the stakeholders involving. Instead, they only shared their views about their connections with the video after watching if you like. It could not be useful for me to decide the direction or clues clearly for the next edition video.
4. Inspired by LV Soundwalk in Hong Kong with Shu Qi , she uses sound to narrate, making what seems like a personal story reflect the complex character of the entire city. At the same time, while I’m listening, the sound also connects with my memories and emotions from when I worked in Hong Kong. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76L_2ZEH9gY&t=19s
5. Hong Kong was once a British colony, so some street names are named after British places or people. However, under British rule, there were also many streets named after Chinese localities or cities. https://justincheuk.wordpress.com/2016/03/07/hk_uk_namesake_streets_hkg/

I’m writing down the process of documenting the Hong Kong movies that closely align with the theme of my project. Here are my basic criteria for selecting the film materials:

1. Time Period: Since I started watching Hong Kong movies from the late 1990s, and mostly during my childhood, my primary focus will be on films made from the 90s to now.
2. Director/Filmproducer Preference： I admire the storytelling and style of director Wong Kar-wai. Besides Wong Kar-wai, the films produced by Ann Hui, Peter Chan (Chan Ho-sun), Pang Ho Cheung and some new generation Hong Kong Directors will be also taken consideration.
3. Visual Elements: Hong Kong filmmakers often use vivid colors or black-and-white scenes to reflect the era and environment. I’ll look for scenes with high color contrast to showcase the unique characteristics of “the city and the individual” and the distinct features of Hong Kong.
4. City Characteristics: Since my project background is based on Hong Kong as a “hybrid city,” I’ll select scenes with Hong Kong-specific settings, like neon lights, trams, and bustling markets, to evoke an emotional resonance about the city.

Here’s my tentative list of films with reasons for their selection:

1. Chungking Express (directed by Wong Kar-wai): Shows Hong Kong as a multicultural, multi-layered city. It’s especially notable for the complex emotions and identity struggles among various characters.
2. In the Mood for Love (directed by Wong Kar-wai): More than a love story, it reflects the social and cultural atmosphere of Hong Kong in the ’60s.
3. Days of Being Wild (directed by Wong Kar-wai): A film about young people in Hong Kong seeking identity and freedom.
4. Happy Together (directed by Wong Kar-wai): This film explores a same-sex relationship and uses their experiences in a foreign country (Argentina) to show the complexity of identity and culture.
5. Comrades: Almost a Love Story (directed by Peter Chan): This film tells the story of two mainland immigrants in Hong Kong and their complex feelings about identity and homeland.
6. Love in a Puff (directed by Pang Ho Cheung) : Depicts the life and love views of modern young people in Hong Kong.

(to be continued）

Over the past couple of weeks, I’m trying to explore various elements that contribute to shaping a focused and impactful research question. The goal has been to provide a pathway for a meaningful project aiming to understand/examine the complex interplay between city and individual identities, particularly in a globalized context.

Initial Research Questions

Initially, the research question in Unit 1 revolved around “How Hong Kong cultural characteristic can be effectively transmitted to the world stage through the support of Hong Kong film in present day”. However, this evolved to acoomodate the broader perspectices of lived experiences in Hong Kong, then in Unit 3, with the more research on Hong Kong cinema and interviews/surveys with Hong Kong residents, the research question redefined as “How cam we facilitate a conversation on the representation of Hong Kong in cinema with the lived experience of the local population?” And in Unit 4, in order to make the research be deeper and more specific and especially avoid some political concern, I would like to shift the focus of this project on the angles of “cultural hybridity” ,”nomadism” and “fluid identity” which based on the secondary research recently.

Now I will organize the thought process of this project in “what-why-how-what if” as below.

What-Why-How-What if

What

As Hong Kong is often depicted as the melting pot of both Eastern and Western cultures, it naturally aligns with the concept of “cultural hybridity”. Whether you experience it through Hong Kong cinema or by visiting the city personally, if you are from mainland China or have a cultural background distinct from that of Canton (Guangdong), you’ll find that the lifestyle, language and urban scenery of Hong Kong are markedly different from those in the mainland (the cultural background of Guangdong has some common in HK but not the same). Therefore, this group of individuals who work, study and live in Hong Kong either by choice or necessity can be categorized as members of transcultural community in this context.

My project aims to explore the interplay between cities and individuals in the context of globalization, with a focus on cultural hybridity. I plan to use Hong Kong cinema as a medium to engage with stakeholders, who are mainly people like myself-born in mainland China but working, studying, or living in culturally hybrid cities.

Below are the academic basis and explaination for the theoretical franmeworks and concepts for reference.

_{What is Cultural Hybridity?}

_{The concept has been profoundly discussed by scholars like Homi K. Bhabha, particularly in his book “The Location of Culture.” Bhabha explores how hybridity disrupts the cultural authority and “purity” often assumed in colonial and post-colonial discourses. According to him, the hybrid nature of culture challenges fixed identities and opens up spaces for negotiation and transformation.}

_{This concept is widely used in cultural studies and social sciences to describe the fusion and reconfiguration of cultural elements, identities, traditions, and practices within diverse cultural settings. In a world increasingly influenced by globalization, migrations, and technological advancements, cultural hybridity serves as a lens to understand how people navigate and adapt to multiple cultural influences.}

_{In simple terms, cultural hybridity looks at how different cultures mix and create new, complex forms of cultural expressions, identities, and meanings. This can happen at various levels—from individual to community, and from local to global scales.}

What is Nomadism?

^{Traditionally, nomadism refers to a way of life that is not anchored to a particular geographical space, characterized by the continual or seasonal movement of people (and often their livestock) in search of pasture, water, and other resources. The concept has been widely studied in anthropology, geography, and history, providing insights into various communities that have adopted this lifestyle, such as the Bedouins in the Middle East or the Mongolian herders in Asia.}

^{However, in a modern academic context, especially within the realms of postcolonial studies, cultural theory, and sociology, nomadism is often used metaphorically to discuss identities, cultures, and philosophies that are not rooted in a single tradition or place. The term gains particular prominence in the works of philosophers like Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari in “A Thousand Plateaus” where they use the concept to challenge established notions of territoriality, identity, and linear history.}

What is Cultural Nomadism?

^{Cultural nomadism is an extension of the metaphorical use of nomadism, specifically focusing on the fluidity and multiplicity of cultural identities. In a globalized world, where individuals increasingly find themselves navigating multiple cultural landscapes, the concept of cultural nomadism helps to explore the complexities of these hybrid identities. This concept is employed to understand how people adopt, adapt, and integrate various cultural elements into their identities, transcending geographical, social, and even digital boundaries.}

^{Cultural nomadism is often discussed in studies exploring diaspora, migration, and transnationalism. It allows researchers to look beyond rigid categories and understand how individuals and communities live in a state of flux, continually negotiating and re-negotiating their cultural affiliations and identities.}

References:

1. Deleuze, G., & Guattari, F. (1987). “A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia.”
2. Bhabha, H. K. (1994). “The Location of Culture.”
3. Clifford, J. (1997). “Routes: Travel and Translation in the Late Twentieth Century.”

What is Fluid Identity?

^{The concept of “fluid identity” refers to an identity that is not fixed or static but is instead continually changing, evolving, and adapting to new influences and experiences. Unlike traditional identity constructs that might classify individuals into predefined categories based on factors such as nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion, fluid identity allows for a more complex, nuanced understanding of the self.}

^{In a world that is increasingly interconnected and globalized, fluid identities capture the complexity and flexibility with which individuals navigate various social, cultural, and political landscapes. This approach recognizes that identities are shaped by a multiplicity of factors, including but not limited to, geography, time, social interaction, and individual choice.}

^{Fluid identity is often discussed within the context of postmodernism and post-structuralism, where the emphasis is on deconstructing traditional binaries and hierarchies to understand the interplay of various power structures that shape individual identity. The concept is notably explored in the works of Judith Butler, particularly in “Gender Trouble,” where she challenges the fixed categories of gender.}

References:

1. Butler, J. (1990). “Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity.”
2. Giddens, A. (1991). “Modernity and Self-Identity: Self and Society in the Late Modern Age.”
3. Hall, S. (1996). “Who Needs ‘Identity’?” In Questions of Cultural Identity.

Why

• Why Hong Kong?

Many cities especially the major global cities like London, New york, Shanghai, Shenzhen could be connected with the concept of “cultural hybridity”, the choice of Hong Kong as the representative of a “hybrid city” in this project because:

1. Cultural background : As mentioned above, Hong Kong has long been a place where Eastern and Western cultures coexist because of its history and geographical location.
2. Political background: Whenever is before 1997 or after 1997’s hand over, the “One country, Two Systems” makes Hong Kong keep its unique political status. This offers a rich ground for exploring issues of cultural and individual identity.
3. Cinema industry: Hong Kong has a strong film industry in the world, and many films explored themes of identity, cultural collision and the urban experience. These cinematic portrayals procide a rich medium for investigation.
4. Personal Connection: Given my personal background, experiences and interests, Hong Kong serves as a particular relevant context, and I use an autoethnographic research method to explore this subject to make it be understood more authenticly.
5. Transcultural communities: Hong Kong is home to a diverse population that includes not only locals but also a significant number of immigrants, expatriates, and others who are in transitional phases of their lives. And these groups are quite relevant to my stakeholder group.

• The importance of the project:

More and more people are living transitional lives under the context of globalization. Understanding how these individuals (transcultural community) define themselves in culturally diverse cities can offer us valuable insights into their social acceptance, career opportunities, and personal well-being.

How

• Redefine Research Question

In terms of the research, 2 reserach questions were shortlisted and pending further discussion with tutor:

1. “How can we facilitate a dialogue on hybrid city and individual identity in a world shaped by globalization?”
2. “How can we understand and position ourselves in the interplay between our native culture and a second culture within the context of globalization?

• Plans on Next Steps & Project Goals

For the practical execution of this project, I plan to create a 3-minute video collage. This video will feature carefully selected scenes from Hong Kong movies that encapsulate the essence of “cultural hybridity” and the unique characteristics of Hong Kong as a “hybrid city.” These scenes will be interwoven with relevant dialogue from the movies to create a cohesive narrative. The video will be presented in an immersive environment, either through VR technology or projection on a screen, to engage stakeholders in a unique experience.

The primary objective of this project is to facilitate a better understanding and assimilation for “transcultural communities” living in a hybrid city. The immersive video experience serves as a test. Before and after viewing the video, stakeholders will be asked to reflect on their identities and attitudes towards living in a hybrid city—be it Hong Kong, London, or any other multicultural metropolis. The focus will be on discerning any psychological changes or newfound resonances after the experience. In essence, the goal is to catalyze positive changes in social acceptance, work opportunities, and identity recognition for these transcultural communities.