A new reading group at Interintellect, led by journalist and media producer Paul Franz, is set to delve into the intricate world of Japanese Modernism this fall. The group will focus on Junichiro Tanizaki's seminal 1938 aesthetic treatise, "In Praise of Shadows," exploring its profound insights into traditional Japanese aesthetics as they confronted the encroaching influence of modernity. Franz announced the agenda on social media, stating, "Black teeth, salt-packed fish, and beautiful toilets are on the agenda for the first meeting of my @interintellect_ reading group on Japanese Modernism this fall."
Tanizaki's "In Praise of Shadows" is widely recognized as a foundational text in Japanese aesthetics, offering a nuanced comparison between Western and East Asian cultural values, particularly concerning light and shadow. The essay, originally published in 1933, champions the subtle beauty found in dimness, patina, and understated elegance, contrasting it with the Western inclination towards brightness and clarity. It examines how traditional Japanese architecture, lacquerware, food, and even everyday objects like toilets are designed to be appreciated in ambient, indirect light, fostering a sense of mystery and depth.
Paul Franz, known for his work in journalism and media production with organizations like the International Crisis Group, will facilitate the discussions. Interintellect, the hosting platform, is a global community dedicated to fostering deep conversations and intellectual exchange across various disciplines. The platform regularly hosts reading groups and salons, providing a space for individuals to engage with complex ideas and diverse perspectives.
The reading group's agenda promises an exploration of specific, often surprising, elements of Japanese culture that Tanizaki uses to illustrate his aesthetic philosophy. These include the historical practice of ohaguro (blackened teeth), the preparation and presentation of salt-packed fish, and the design of traditional Japanese toilets, which Tanizaki famously lauded as spaces of contemplation. These seemingly disparate topics are unified by Tanizaki's argument that true beauty often resides in the imperfect, the aged, and the subtly illuminated.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how Japanese aesthetics value ambiguity, quietness, and the interplay of light and darkness, which continue to influence contemporary art and design. The group offers a unique opportunity to engage with a classic work that critically examines the impact of modernization on cultural identity and aesthetic values. Interested individuals are encouraged to secure tickets for the upcoming sessions, as highlighted by Franz in his announcement.