Hokusai, the Library, and the Sky- part 01, 2005-2007

The small woodblock print by Hokusai, "36 Views of Mount Fuji," transforms into a vast mural dominating the main wall of the gallery. This transformation becomes apparent to visitors as they near the art installation. In my rendition of Hokusai's iconic wave, I weave in hundreds of library book codes from the Asian Critical Studies section of the University of Calgary's library. This sea of knowledge emphasizes the importance of immersing students in international literature, particularly within the framework of an art curriculum, to foster a global teaching and learning environment.

However, the journey of education navigates through the evolving landscapes of policies and establishments, highlighting a significant gap in many art programs. They often lack the focus and scholarly presence in their fields. Through my portrait as an Asian scholar, I symbolize the inherent tensions within the academic realm. This is represented by two opposing forces: the pull of texts from Asian Critical Studies on one end and the counterbalance of an English top hat anchored on the floor, illustrating the conflict between diverse academic pursuits and traditional Western norms.

Despite Canadian educational institutions' commitment to incorporating a diverse range of multicultural subjects into their art programs, there exists a disconnect. The administrative framework often falls short in providing the necessary support. Consequently, both students and faculty are left to navigate the educational landscape without the essential backing needed to fulfill their teaching and learning objectives effectively.