CMU 2025 Chinese New Year Celebration, January 31.

The Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics' Chinese Studies program at Carnegie Mellon University will host a Chinese New Year Celebration on January 31.

Come to celebrate Chinese New Years with the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics! Free and open to the public, this event will feature many fun activities with rich Chinese cultural aspects including performances, snacks, games and raffles.

This celebration is co-hosted by LCAL's Chinese Studies program and CMU's Chinese Students Association.

It runs from 7:30 to 9:30 pm in the Rangos Ballroom on the second floor of the Cohon University Center (map).

ASIA POP Net-Fluxed Korea: Squid Game, Acting in/on the Logic of Platform Economy, January 22 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Dr. Seung-hwan Shin and his talk "Net-Fluxed Korea: Squid Game, Acting in/on the Logic of Platform Economy" on January 22, part of this term's ASIA POP series.

Reflecting on the global success of Squid Game (Hwang Dong-hyuk, 2021) and its reinvention of the death game genre, this talk explores both the opportunities and challenges presented by new media systems, particularly global video streaming platforms, for local creators.

Netflix, renowned for decentralized approaches and departure from corporate-driven and center-to-local strategies in traditional media, allows for greater financial and creative freedom for local creators. However, concerns have arisen over Netflix’s dominance in local media landscapes and the overreliance of local creators on the platform giant, which would eventually lead to the demise of local media.

In exploring the rise of Netflix as the leading global platform, with a particular focus on its success in Korea, this talk thus aims first to articulate the double-edged nature of platform economy. In the latter part of the talk, attention shifts towards Squid Game itself, focusing on how it creatively adapted to the platform culture and how it questions contemporary capitalism through an innovative investment in the trope of survival game, where participants voluntarily enter the death game, rendering values such as free will empty promises.

Highlighting the show’s own dilemma between its anti-capitalist ethos and its success on Netflix, this talk also addresses the broader irony of resistance within the logic of platform economy that local production faces as the platform ecosystem continues to expand.

The talk runs from 6:00 to 7:15 pm in 149 Cathedral of Learning 4130 Posvar Hall (map).

Lunar New Year Archives & Special Collections Gallery Talk: East Asian Book Culture, January 29 at University of Pittsburgh.

The University of Pittsburgh Library System will host "Lunar New Year Archives & Special Collections Gallery Talk: East Asian Book Culture" on January 29.

Join us to hear directly from curator Runxiao Zhu, Head of the East Asian Library at the University of Pittsburgh Library System (ULS), about the exhibit "Beyond the Page: Exploring East Asian Book Culture and Printing Technology"!

In this exhibit, discover the intricate artistry and cultural significance behind historical texts from China and Japan, spanning from the 12th to the 20th century. From the scholar's desk to the printer's workshop, explore the innovative techniques and materials that shaped the way knowledge was preserved and shared. Learn about the symbolism and artistry of woodblock prints, the elegance of thread-bound books, and the unique formats of scrolls and accordion books.

As we usher in a new lunar year, let's celebrate the rich cultural heritage and technological advancements that continue to inspire and influence our world today!

All items on display are part of Archives & Special Collections and other ULS collections.  

The talk runs from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the 3rd Floor Exhibit Cases of Hillman Library (map).

"A Musical Conversation with Sean Gao and Friends on Tradition and Innovation in Chinese Music," January 23 at Pitt.

via @pghccc

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host "A Musical Conversation with Sean Gao and Friends on Tradition and Innovation in Chinese Music" on January 23. Gao is producing the Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center's Lunar New Year Gala on January 25.

“The world needs music and art to help solve some global issues more than ever. If leaders and people are looking for happiness, sustainability, justice and hope, they shall look to music and art.” - Sean Gao

For 30 years, Sean Gao has been a global engagement professional and an environmental artist who is an advocate for the sustainability of performing art, quality education and environmental justice and policy.

Humans have always been a musical species from the beginning of time, and Sean believes music is from the people and for the people. This student-centered and audience-centered musical conversation will feature instrumental and vocal music from the East and West to inspire teachers and students about teaching and learning Asian content. The guest artists include members of his world traveling 6-WIRE trio and others.

Promoting Asian American music and art has been a shared artistic goal since Sean’s first day of college (U of Delaware) teaching career at 9am ET on September 11, 2001.

The event starts at 5:30 pm in 125 Frick Fine Arts Building (map).

Call for artists and makers for Novo Food Hall's Lunar New Year celebration, February 1.

Novo Asian Food Hall in the Strip District is looking for artists and makers for its Lunar New Year celebration on February 1.

Are you a local artist or maker with a small business that you’d like to promote in 2025? If so, join us on Saturday, February 1 for a special Lunar New Year edition of the markets at Novo. We’re hosting a special celebration all day long to ring in the new year and we want YOU to be a part of it! 🧧🎊🏮🎇

To participate, just send an email to kaitlinnovo at gmail.com with a little info about yourself and your business or concept, and we'll get back to you!

Novo Asian Food Hall is a food court featuring eight different Asian eateries in The Terminal Building in the Strip District (map). It opened in March 2024.

2025 Squirrel Hill Lunar New Year Parade, February 16.

Pittsburgh's Lunar New Year Parade will return in 2025. From the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition:

Please come out to join us to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year with a parade starting at Phillips and Murray (Streets closed Phillips to Forbes on Murray Ave from 9 - 12 pm)

The relatively new annual tradition returns after taking 2024 off. The parade starts at 10:00 am, moving up Murray Ave. from Phillips Ave. to Forbes Ave. (map).

2021 Korean film Made on the Rooftop (메이드 인 루프탑) in Pittsburgh, February 11.

The 2021 Korean film Made on the Rooftop (메이드 인 루프탑), also known as Made in Rooftop in accordance with the Koreanlish title, will play in Pittsburgh on February 11 thanks to ReelQ and City of Asylum.

Pittsburgh-based film organization Reel Q presents screenings of films from all over the world—Argentina, Iran, Pakistan, Taiwan, and many more—that center queer voices and perspectives. This February, Reel Q enters its 11th year of collaboration with City of Asylum with the whimsical rom-com Made on the Rooftop, directed by Kim Jho Gwang-soo. 

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Seoul, Made on the Rooftop is a romantic journey through heartbreak, friendship, and rediscovery. After his breakup with the reserved and closeted Jeong-min, Ha-neul is left heartbroken and homeless, forced to leave not only his lover but also their beloved cat, Ari. Finding refuge with his flamboyant and supportive best friend, Bongsik, Ha-neul tries to mend his heart while navigating life on a rooftop where love, laughter, and second chances are always in the air.

With its candy-colored visuals, witty humor, and heartfelt moments, Made on the Rooftop is an ode to young love and the courage to start over. Perfect for Valentine’s Week, this rom-com reminds us that love, whether romantic or platonic, always has a way of finding us when we need it most. 

Before the screening, join us for our very first Reel Connections, a social speed-friending happy hour! From 6–7 PM, we’ll partake in a lively and fun-filled hour of games, drinks, and snacks, and the chance to meet new friends…or perhaps even something more. Whether you’re coming solo, with your partner, or a group of friends, this is the perfect way to mingle and set the tone for a romantic and joyful Valentine’s Week celebration.

The film played at the 2021 ReelQ Film Festival. This in-person and online screening is free, though tickets are required. It starts at 7:00 pm at Alphabet City on the North Side (map).

Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between at Contemporary Craft, February 7 – May 3.

Contemporary Craft will host Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between from February 7 through May 3, with a free artist-led tour on February 8. From today's press release:

Contemporary Craft Announces Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between

 

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 2025) – Contemporary Craft is excited to announce its upcoming exhibition, Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between, on view February 7 – May 3, 2025. The exhibition features a comprehensive survey of California-based artist Keiko Fukazawa’s 40-year career, showcasing new works and archival materials. The opening reception will take place on Friday, February 7, 5:30 – 8:00 PM.

 

Influenced by her Japanese heritage and American environment, Fukazawa explores Asian pop culture and social issues through conceptual interpretations of traditional forms. Featuring 30 pieces, the exhibition is organized into three themes: “Culture Clash,” “ARTivism,” and “In Betweenness,” reflecting stages of Fukazawa’s creative evolution as an immigrant artist navigating cultural identities.

 

Through her use of porcelain, Fukazawa highlights ceramic artistry, process, and history advocating for the medium’s importance in the contemporary world. Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective offers a compelling narrative of artistic journey and cultural dialogue, showcasing Fukazawa’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation and materiality with her practice.

 

“Keiko Fukazawa's work is eclectic, poignant and thought-provoking, exploring themes through distinctive material choices and symbolic representation. This retrospective spans 40 years of her creative evolution, weaving together her Japanese heritage and American environment through conceptual exploration”, said Yu-San Cheng, CC Director of Exhibitions and Operations. “The exhibition invites the audience on an emotional experience, evoking contemplation and insight as they engage with each piece. I hope these selections move you and inspire reflection."

 

Opening Weekend Events

 

Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 5:30 – 8:00 PM. Free and open to the public. Join us as we celebrate the opening of Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between. Light refreshments will be served.

Artist Talk: Saturday, February 8, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Free, registration required. Keiko Fukazawa will be in the gallery discussing her work and answering questions from visitors.

2024 Japanese animated film The Colors Within (きみの色) in Pittsburgh, from January 23.

The 2024 Japanese animated film The Colors Within (きみの色) will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters from January 23.

Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections. Will they discover their true 'colors'?

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Robinson through the 29th, though more locations are likely to be announced later. Tickets for the English-dubbed shows are available online now, with shows in Japanese with English subtitles likely to follow.

Spiral Symphony: A Chorus of Transformation and Renewal: The 28th Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Fair and Show, January 26.

The Carnegie Museum of Art will host "Spiral Symphony: A Chorus of Transformation and Renewal: The 28th Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Fair and Show" on January 26.

Inspired by the Year of the Snake, the 28th Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Celebration heralds the new year with a resplendent celebration of change and rebirth. Presented by the CASTP Organization, with support from Carnegie Museum of Art, this multicultural festival harmonizes ancient Lunar New Year traditions with global customs. Guests will embark on a mesmerizing journey through spiraling rhythms and evolving melodies, where the snake’s wisdom and symbolism come alive in spectacular performances and hands-on activities. This immersive experience invites attendees to shed the old and embrace the new, fostering a joyous chorus of global unity and growth as we step into the promising dawn of a new year.

The fair will be from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 2:30 p.m.