The Power of Cute

The Power of Cute PDF Author: Simon May
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691185719
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
An exploration of cuteness and its immense hold on us, from emojis and fluffy puppies to its more uncanny, subversive expressions Cuteness has taken the planet by storm. Global sensations Hello Kitty and Pokémon, the works of artists Takashi Murakami and Jeff Koons, Heidi the cross-eyed opossum and E.T.—all reflect its gathering power. But what does “cute” mean, as a sensibility and style? Why is it so pervasive? Is it all infantile fluff, or is there something more uncanny and even menacing going on—in a lighthearted way? In The Power of Cute, Simon May provides nuanced and surprising answers. We usually see the cute as merely diminutive, harmless, and helpless. May challenges this prevailing perspective, investigating everything from Mickey Mouse to Kim Jong-il to argue that cuteness is not restricted to such sweet qualities but also beguiles us by transforming or distorting them into something of playfully indeterminate power, gender, age, morality, and even species. May grapples with cuteness’s dark and unpindownable side—unnerving, artful, knowing, apprehensive—elements that have fascinated since ancient times through mythical figures, especially hybrids like the hermaphrodite and the sphinx. He argues that cuteness is an addictive antidote to today’s pressured expectations of knowing our purpose, being in charge, and appearing predictable, transparent, and sincere. Instead, it frivolously expresses the uncertainty that these norms deny: the ineliminable uncertainty of who we are; of how much we can control and know; of who, in our relations with others, really has power; indeed, of the very value and purpose of power. The Power of Cute delves into a phenomenon that speaks with strange force to our age.

The Power of Cute

The Power of Cute PDF Author: Simon May
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691185719
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 257

Get Book Here

Book Description
An exploration of cuteness and its immense hold on us, from emojis and fluffy puppies to its more uncanny, subversive expressions Cuteness has taken the planet by storm. Global sensations Hello Kitty and Pokémon, the works of artists Takashi Murakami and Jeff Koons, Heidi the cross-eyed opossum and E.T.—all reflect its gathering power. But what does “cute” mean, as a sensibility and style? Why is it so pervasive? Is it all infantile fluff, or is there something more uncanny and even menacing going on—in a lighthearted way? In The Power of Cute, Simon May provides nuanced and surprising answers. We usually see the cute as merely diminutive, harmless, and helpless. May challenges this prevailing perspective, investigating everything from Mickey Mouse to Kim Jong-il to argue that cuteness is not restricted to such sweet qualities but also beguiles us by transforming or distorting them into something of playfully indeterminate power, gender, age, morality, and even species. May grapples with cuteness’s dark and unpindownable side—unnerving, artful, knowing, apprehensive—elements that have fascinated since ancient times through mythical figures, especially hybrids like the hermaphrodite and the sphinx. He argues that cuteness is an addictive antidote to today’s pressured expectations of knowing our purpose, being in charge, and appearing predictable, transparent, and sincere. Instead, it frivolously expresses the uncertainty that these norms deny: the ineliminable uncertainty of who we are; of how much we can control and know; of who, in our relations with others, really has power; indeed, of the very value and purpose of power. The Power of Cute delves into a phenomenon that speaks with strange force to our age.

How to Draw Manga Chibis & Cute Critters

How to Draw Manga Chibis & Cute Critters PDF Author: Samantha Whitten
Publisher: Walter Foster
ISBN: 1600582907
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 131

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Book Description
With big glossy eyes and soft pudgy cheeks, it's hard not to love manga chibis and critters. In this latest addition to the Walter Foster Studio series for tweens, aspiring artists can learn all about these cute creatures as they follow along with step-by-step drawing projects that range from a mischievous chibi princess and a roly poly ninja to a furry manga bunny and a cuddly panda cub. Also included is a chapter on how to render any animal or person as a "chibi-fied" character. Instructions for adding color with markers or watercolor make this cartooning book perfect for any tween fan of manga or anime.

Kawaii Coloring Book

Kawaii Coloring Book PDF Author: Holiday Joy
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description


Underwater Puppies

Underwater Puppies PDF Author: Seth Casteel
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1472209419
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 217

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Book Description
The world fell in love with swimming canines in Seth Casteel's first book, Underwater Dogs. Now, in more than 80 previously unpublished portraits of underwater puppies, we see man's best friends at their most playful and exuberant. Each vibrant and colourful underwater image shows off the wild and sublime range of emotions of puppies, cute and irresistible to the very last.

Dive Into Cuteness

Dive Into Cuteness PDF Author: Darius V Fergal
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category : Crafts & Hobbies
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Are you ready to dive into a world of cuteness like never before? Introducing "Dive into Cuteness: The Ultimate Super Cute Crochet Book" - the good companion for all crochet enthusiasts and lovers of adorable creations. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with joy, creativity, and the most irresistibly cute crochet projects you've ever seen. In this one-of-a-kind book, you'll discover a treasure trove of patterns and designs that will melt your heart and bring a smile to your face. From cuddly animals to charming accessories, this book has it all. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crocheter, you'll find projects that are both fun to make and delightful to behold. What sets "Dive into Cuteness" apart from other crochet books is its focus on creating truly adorable pieces. Each pattern has been carefully selected to evoke a sense of warmth, happiness, and pure cuteness. As you flip through the pages, you'll find yourself captivated by the charming characters and whimsical designs that await you. But this book is not just about creating cute crochet projects. It's about the emotions and experiences that come with them. Imagine the joy of presenting a handmade teddy bear to a loved one, or the satisfaction of seeing a child's face light up when they receive a crocheted unicorn. These are the moments that make crocheting so special, and "Dive into Cuteness" is here to help you create them. With detailed step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations, this book makes it easy for anyone to bring these adorable creations to life. Even if you're new to crochet, you'll find the guidance you need to get started and master the techniques. And for the more experienced crocheters, there are plenty of challenging projects to keep you inspired and engaged. But the benefits of "Dive into Cuteness" don't end there. By immersing yourself in the world of crochet, you'll also enjoy a range of therapeutic benefits. Crocheting has been proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote relaxation. It's a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself and find solace in the rhythmic motions of your crochet hook. So not only will you be creating adorable pieces, but you'll also be nurturing your own well-being. So why wait? Dive into cuteness today and experience the joy of creating your own adorable crochet projects. Whether you're looking

The Cute

The Cute PDF Author: Sianne Ngai
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262372258
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 368

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Book Description
A collection that tracks the astonishing impact of one vernacular aesthetic category—the cute—on postwar and contemporary art. The Cute tracks the astonishing impact of a single aesthetic category on post-war and contemporary art, and on the vast range of cultural practices and discourses on which artists draw. From robots and cat videos to ice cream socials, The Cute explores the ramifications of an aesthetic “of” or “about” minorness—or what is perceived to be diminutive, subordinate, and above all, unthreatening—on the shifting forms and contents of art today. This anthology is the first of its kind to show how contemporary artists have worked on and transformed the cute, in ways that not only complexify its meaning, but also reshape their own artistic practices. Artists surveyed include Peggy Ahwesh, Cosima Von Bonin, Nayland Blake, Paul Chan, Adrian Howells, Juliana Huxtable, Larry Johnson, Mike Kelley, Dean Kenning, Wyndham Lewis, Jeff Koons, Sean-Kierre Lyons, Mammalian Diving Reflex, Alake Shilling, Annette Messager, Mariko Mori, Takashi Murakami, Charlemagne Palestine, David Robbins, Mika Rottenberg, Allen Ruppersberg, Jack Smith, Kara Walker, Andy Warhol, Yoshitomo Nara Writers include Sasha Archibald, Roland Barthes, Leigh Claire La Berge, Lauren Berlant, Ian Bogost, Jennifer Doyle, Lee Edelman, Adrienne Edwards, Lewis Gordon, Rosemarie Garland-Thompson, Stephen Jay Gould, Lori Merish, John Morreall, Juliane Rebentisch, Frances Richard, Carrie Rickey, Friedrich Schiller, Peter Schjeldahl, Kanako Shiokawa, Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy, Kevin Young

Irresistible

Irresistible PDF Author: Joshua Paul Dale
Publisher: Profile Books
ISBN: 1782835423
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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Book Description
Why are some things cute, and others not? What happens to our brains when we see something cute? And how did cuteness go global, from Hello Kitty to Disney characters? Cuteness is an area where culture and biology get tangled up. Seeing a cute animal triggers some of the most powerful psychological instincts we have - the ones that elicit our care and protection - but there is a deeper story behind the broad appeal of Japanese cats and saccharine greetings cards. Joshua Paul Dale, a pioneer in the burgeoning field of cuteness studies, explains how the cute aesthetic spread around the globe, from pop brands to Lolita fashion, kids' cartoons and the unstoppable rise of Hello Kitty. Irresistible delves into the surprisingly ancient origins of Japan's kawaii culture, and uncovers the cross-cultural pollination of the globalised world. If adorable things really do rewire our brains, it can help answer some of the biggest questions we have about our evolutionary history and the mysterious origins of animal domestication. This is the fascinating cultural history of cuteness, and a revealing look at how our most powerful psychological impulses have remade global style and culture.

Cuteness Engineering

Cuteness Engineering PDF Author: Aaron Marcus
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319619616
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 172

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Book Description
This state of the art monograph presents a unique introduction to thinking about cuteness and its incorporation into modern, especially computer-based, products and services. Cuteness is defined and explored in relation to user-centered design concepts and methods, in addition to considering the history of cuteness and cuteness in other cultures, especially in relation to eastern Asia. The authors provide detailed analyses and histories of cuteness in Japan and in China, the rise of Kawaii and Moe cultural artifacts, and their relation to social, psychological, and design issues. They also attempt an initial taxonomy of cuteness. Finally, detailed interviews with leading designers of cute products and services, such as Hello Kitty, provide an understanding of the philosophy and decision-making process of designers of cuteness. Cuteness Engineering: Designing Adorable Products and Services will be of interest and use to a wide range of professionals, researchers, academics, and students who are interested in exploring the world of cuteness in fresh new ways and gaining insights useful for their work and studies.

The Aesthetics and Affects of Cuteness

The Aesthetics and Affects of Cuteness PDF Author: Joshua Paul Dale
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317331303
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 486

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Book Description
Cuteness is one of the most culturally pervasive aesthetics of the new millennium and its rapid social proliferation suggests that the affective responses it provokes find particular purchase in a contemporary era marked by intensive media saturation and spreading economic precarity. Rejecting superficial assessments that would deem the ever-expanding plethora of cute texts trivial, The Aesthetics and Affects of Cuteness directs serious scholarly attention from a variety of academic disciplines to this ubiquitous phenomenon. The sheer plasticity of this minor aesthetic is vividly on display in this collection which draws together analyses from around the world examining cuteness’s fundamental role in cultural expressions stemming from such diverse sources as military cultures, high-end contemporary art worlds, and animal shelters. Pushing beyond prevailing understandings that associate cuteness solely with childhood or which posit an interpolated parental bond as its primary affective attachment, the essays in this collection variously draw connections between cuteness and the social, political, economic, and technological conditions of the early twenty-first century and in doing so generate fresh understandings of the central role cuteness plays in the recalibration of contemporary subjectivities.

You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes

You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes PDF Author: Samantha Whitten
Publisher: Walter Foster Jr
ISBN: 1633228657
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 99

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Book Description
Just for Kids: You Can Draw Manga Critters shows how to draw animals in the chibi style using simple steps and easy-to-find art tools. Also included are tips and techniques for designing your own chibi critter creations! You can draw more than 30 chibi animals with the easy, step-by-step art projects in Just for Kids: You Can Draw Manga Critters. Learn to draw dogs, cats, mice, rabbits, birds, fantasy critters, and more. Also included are tips and techniques encouraging you to design your own chibi creations once you are comfortable with the art style. No complicated tools are needed; you can create your own chibi art using just a pencil, pen, markers, and paper. The book opens with helpful sections on tools and materials, essential drawing techniques, color basics, and an examination of chibi animal faces and bodies. The step-by-step projects that follow will show you how to draw chibis of all kinds in any pose and from all angles. Included throughout the book are templates for practice. In between drawing projects and templates, you will take a closer look at different chibi animals, critter mash-ups (like bird-dragons and pig-skunks!), and how to draw them in action. Use these pages to modify the templates to create your own characters. Tips and techniquesfor drawing chibi characters abound in Just for Kids: You Can Draw Manga Critters. Written and illustrated by Samantha Whitten and Jeannie Lee, Just for Kids: You Can Draw Manga Critters is perfect for beginning and intermediate artists, lovers of manga and anime, and more. You will love creating your own chibi animals!