PhD in Cultural Studies

Xinyi “Amy” Zhang, 2023

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

My research studies global dynamics in the art world by analyzing the development of 21st-century art museums in the Arabian Peninsula, Western media reception towards them, and comparing exhibition decisions in these new art museums with established Euro-American ones.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I was interested in looking at recently established art museums and the role they play in perpetuating the idea and status of art. I have a background in Art History, Philosophy, and Sociology and each of those disciplines has an active subfield interested in the social status of fine art. The Cultural Studies approach also emphasized looking beyond an object at its broader context, history, and power dynamics and encouraged an interdisciplinary approach.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

Immensely! I learned from scholars in Cultural Studies, Art History, Sociology, Global Affairs, and other fields. I taught regularly in the School of Integrative Studies and briefly in Honors College which are both very supportive and collaborative departments. I also taught CHSS subjects for two years in Mason Korea and benefited from the incredibly lively community there.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

I received a few grants that allowed me to do many things that I didn't anticipate--including language study and ethnographic fieldwork. I was very fortunate in this!

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Very many. My dissertation committee members, firstly, as well as the Cultural Studies faculty and leadership. Several faculty members in the INTS department and Honors College helped model and encourage good teaching.