Inter-Artistic Plague Narratives and the Cultural Differences between China and the West

In: Cultura: international journal of philosophy of culture and axiology, Band 17, Heft 2, S. 117-127

Abstract

Abstract: Artistic representation is an instrument of historical memory that, unlike history, serves to transfer the emotional imprint that historical records leave behind for the sake of objectivity. Art memorializes achievements and success, but also tragic moments of death
and destruction. Cultural differences between China and the West lead to varied perspectives and patterns of expression in the Fine Arts. This paper offers several examples showing how art has dealt with epidemic and pandemic. No one is immune to such tragedies in our increasingly globalized
world. By looking back at the memories recorded in artistic representation, we can learn from the past and cooperate in order to face future crises successfully. However, cooperation is only possible if we are aware of cultural differences. This paper provides a brief example on how Chinese
and European art face inter-artistic plague narratives in different ways.