NYC Gazette

Monstrous Beauty: A Feminist Revision of Chinoiserie offers a fresh perspective on the history of European porcelain, examining it through a feminist lens. The exhibition reinterprets the emergence of chinoiserie in Europe, which began with the arrival of porcelain from China during the early modern period. This decorative style was deeply intertwined with Europe's exotic fantasies about the East and evolving ideas concerning women, sexuality, and race. By challenging the perception of chinoiserie as a benign fantasy, Monstrous Beauty provides a critical examination of its historical context and ongoing impact, redefining negative stereotypes through female empowerment.

The exhibition features nearly 200 works ranging from 16th-century Europe to contemporary pieces by Asian and Asian American women artists. It highlights how porcelain became associated with female taste and identity throughout history. The material's fragility and sharpness when broken served as a metaphor for women's roles in narratives about cultural exchange, consumption, and desire.

Support for this exhibition comes from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and the Mellon Foundation. Additional funding is provided by Kohler Co., the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Karen and Samuel Choi, The International Council of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Edward John & Patricia Rosenwald Foundation, and Mimi O. Kim.

The accompanying catalogue receives support from the Diane W. and James E. Burke Fund, with further contributions from Salle Yoo and Jeffrey Gray as well as the Doris Duke Fund for Publications.