East Asian Studies MA student
I’m Zhihuan (Tsyhuoe) Yan. I received my B.A. from Washington and Lee University as an art history major and East Asian studies minor. My research interests lie in modern Japanese and Chinese art and literature.
Among my several research experiences, my art history thesis looked at Lin Fengmian’s landscapes with the background of the Cultural Revolution through an eco-critical lens, while my East Asian studies capstone explored modern and traditional value conflicts in Mori Ogai’s short stories. I’m especially interested in Sino-Japanese artistic and literary exchange, the role of traditional art and culture in modern contexts, and how politics shape art and writing. At Duke EAS, I hope to further refine my interests and strengthen my academic skills.
Outside of class, I enjoy writing poetry and doing theater. I also have some experience in Chinese calligraphy and painting, Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu), and kendo.