Foreword

In the sixth issue of Aspectus, we are pleased to present a diverse collection of articles and reviews that explore the intersections of architecture, art, history, gender, and cultural narratives. These works, contributed by students and emerging scholars, embody our commitment to fostering critical dialogue across diverse historical periods and cultural contexts. We owe a great deal of gratitude to all the peer reviewers for their valuable insights. Sincere thanks also go to our university and faculty for their support and guidance throughout this process, particularly to Professor Michael White, Head of Department, Professor Tim Ayers, Director of Research (2023–2024), and Dr James Boaden, Director of Research (2024–2025).

Issue VI examines the cultural and political significance of architecture in nineteenth-century Russia and the gender dynamics in early Christian iconography. The issue also highlights current exhibitions and publications that reframe our understanding of the complex legacies of modernism in post-colonial societies, Japanese visual culture, gendered narratives in arms and armour, and the architectural conservation of religious monuments. These contributions span multiple geographies and historical periods, but together they reflect a broader dialogue about identity, creativity, and the ways in which material culture expresses and shapes social and political contexts.

We hope this edition inspires readers to reflect more deeply on the complex historical narratives and cultural identities that continue to influence our contemporary world. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to your continued engagement.

Signed,

Georgia Gerson & Yuxuan Xiao

Editors-in-Chief, 2023-2024