January 30–August 4, 2013
Madeleine H. Russell Gallery
How are the boundaries between social classes and identities challenged and transcended? This exhibition explores that question. Eighteenth-century Chinese paintings demonstrate how artists outside palace walls reproduced the subject and styles of imperial court paintings in order to fulfill commissions by patrons of a rising social class. Japanese woodblock prints examine how cross-dressing actors in Kabuki theater became trendsetters for the world off-stage. And through his photographs, Chinese contemporary artist Cang Xin steps into different professions and identities. Forty-four works on display.