JOURNAL ARTICLE

'It was a racial hierarchy': A conversation with Quan Zhou.

  • Published In: Studies in Comics, 2025, v. 16, n. 1. P. 81 1 of 3

  • Database: Art Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Dapena, Xavier; Fernández, Jesús Játiva 3 of 3

Abstract

This article centers on Quan Zhou, a Chinese-Spanish graphic artist and activist, discussing her evolution from comedic autobiographical works to more narrative-driven autofiction that explores identity, migration, and racialization in Spain. Zhou reflects on her role as the first racialized person appointed to the King Juan Carlos I chair in Spanish culture and civilization at New York University, highlighting challenges related to representation, tokenism, and artistic expectations placed on racialized creators. She emphasizes the political and emotional dimensions of her art, the strategic use of humor, and the limited visibility of racialized voices in the Spanish comics industry. Zhou's work resonates with the Chinese community in Spain by providing nuanced self-representation without claiming to speak for all, while also advocating for greater diversity and ethical awareness in artistic portrayals.

Additional Information

  • Source:Studies in Comics. 2025/04, Vol. 16, Issue 1, p81
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2040-3232
  • DOI:10.1386/stic_00133_7
  • Accession Number:187835780
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