The Space Between: Spatial Autopsies as an Alternative Approach for Analyzing Localities (original) (raw)

Abstract

Since localities are primarily relational and contextual, the higher degree of plasticity its holds over physical space inadvertently requires innovative methods to capture the dynamism of relationships and intricate networks within a locality, as well as implicit ones sustained across multiple localities, and render them in a visible format. Existing literature consistently emphasizes the geographical unevenness in the breadth and depth of neoliberal restructuring strategies, made discernible by their variegated implementation and impact across different sites. In the context of East Asia, at least, the exogenous origins of neoliberalism, compounded by the respective countries’ complex colonial history and active neo-colonial policies, have effected variant forms of neoliberalism. It is therefore at ground level, where the imposition of extra-local forces on the lives of individuals is either embraced or resisted, can the various conditions supporting the constitution (or reconstitution) of locality be particularized and scrutinized. By adopting a context-led approach to frame a reading on localities, it becomes possible to plot each locality’s unique relational matrix and establish the extent of its catchment. In this age, films are increasingly employed for recording transformations around us since their speed can oftentimes be difficult to digest in situ. The moving image, together with cinematically-derived methodologies formulated for advancing studies on space, have proven to be effective for exploring complex phenomena in almost all aspects – political, social, economic, historical and cultural. Films can support a spatial approach to understanding localities on a qualitative level: embedded within mere functional information, there exists an additional dimension which, through proper excavation, offers a heuristic means for exploring the depth of lived experience. The fact remains that the spatial and relational matrices of localities perpetually fluctuate; the challenge rests on identifying effective tools for capturing the milieu which are invaluable for spatial autopsies. Keywords Framing localities; context-led approach; cinematically-derived methodologies; spatial autopsies. 7th International Symposium on Locality and Humanities: Neoliberalism and Locality 22-23 October 2015 Organized by Center for Locality and Humanities, Korean Studies Institute, Pusan National University

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