Jinming Gao’s Journey into the Spiritual Realm of Asian Celebrity Worship
In her insightful work, Jinming Gao delves into the intricate tapestry of Asian fanbases, placing a spotlight on the unique phenomenon that defines the youth culture in today’s increasingly atheistic society. The focal point of Gao’s exploration lies in the profound “beliefs” that young Asians have cultivated, as idolized celebrities ascend to the status of quasi-deities, constructing a distinctive “spiritual utopia” for the contemporary era.
Within the cultural landscape of East Asia, the fervent veneration of celebrities has metamorphosed into a fervor that transcends mere admiration, evolving into a culture akin to fanaticism. Jinming Gao meticulously dissects the inner workings of this phenomenon, unraveling the collective behavior of ardent fans and drawing parallels to the dynamics observed in traditional religious institutions. The result is a compelling revelation that mirrors the intricate interplay between religion and its followers.
In this nuanced analysis, Jinming Gao draws striking parallels between the terminology and structures found in fandom and those intrinsic to religious practices. The idols themselves become the deities, fan clubs take on the role of congregations, and the fan codes of behavior seamlessly align with the revered concepts of “God,” “church,” and the “code of worship.” The language employed by fans effortlessly integrates into a newfound religious vocabulary, blurring the lines between secular admiration and spiritual devotion.
Accompanying Jinming Gao’s profound insights are illustrations that weave together traditional Chinese art and scripture, all presented in a modern, iconoclastic style. This fusion of the classical and the contemporary provides an almost surreal lens through which to gain insight into the intricate world of fandom. By intertwining traditional elements with a modern aesthetic, the illustrations encapsulate the paradoxical nature of this cultural phenomenon, offering a visual narrative that mirrors the juxtaposition of the old and the new.
Jinming Gao website: https://jillgao.org
