International Graduate Symposium The Making of Japanese Art History in the 20th Century
From 3 to 4 September 2026, the international graduate symposium "The Making of Japanese Art History in the 20th Century" at Heidelberg University brought together scholars to discuss how "Japanese art history" emerged, was negotiated, and was disseminated over the course of the twentieth century. The discussions focused on canon formation and the establishment of modern classics, wartime narratives, changing classifications of the arts, practices of mediation and education, and transcultural histories of exhibitions and displays.
The opening keynote, "(The History of)² Japanese Art in the 20th Century," was delivered by Kristopher W. Kersey, and the closing keynote, "Zooming In, Zooming Out: Histories of Japanese Photography, Art, and Wartime Activities," by Maki Fukuoka. Stephanie Su also presented her new book, "History Painting Crossing Borders: A Transnational History of Modern Art in Early Twentieth-Century China and Japan."
What made the symposium especially distinctive was the exchange across generational, disciplinary, medial, and geographical boundaries. Heartfelt thanks go to all speakers, chairs, participants, and guests who contributed to two days of generous and stimulating discussion.
The symposium was organized by Ruri Kawanami, Wei Sun, and Fengyu Wang with the support of the Institute of East Asian Art History at Heidelberg University. Special thanks go to Prof. Sarah Fraser and Prof. Monica Juneja for their support throughout the entire process. Sincere thanks are also extended to the Graduate Academy of Heidelberg University for its financial support through the "Doktorandeninitiative" program.
