Asian American Art at the de Young
Chiura Obata’s Setting Sun: Sacramento Valley (Source: Stanford Report 11/12/08)
If you’re looking for something to do between now and January 18, 2009, get yourself to the de Young museum to see Asian | American | Modern Art: Shifting Currents: 1900-1970. This special exhibition has been organized by the Asian American Art Project at Stanford University in collaboration with San Francisco State University.
I headed up this weekend to check out the exhibit, of which I had a personal connection with – during my Senior year, I assisted with the project – doing some fact checking on artist biographies, searching for proper citations, and various other academic related matters. It was a great hands on learning experience for me, and it was fabulous to see this project, which was a ten year undertaking, finally culminate in an incredible exhibition and book.
The concept of Asian American Art weaves together a rich history of artists of Asian ancestry who have lived and worked in the United States since the 1850s. As the de Young museum notes:
This exhibition represents the first comprehensive survey of these artists, and seeks to advance awareness of this under-represented group in American art history. Their art reflects the currents of identity and style that shift between aesthetics of diverse international geographies. This exhibition is rich in variety and demonstrates the wealth of Asian American art using masterpieces spanning seventy years. Nearly 100 works by 60 artists, many of whom had their work exhibited at the de Young or Legion of Honor in earlier decades, are included.
I’m not an art expert or a frequent patron of the arts, but I really enjoyed the exhibit. Each painting or sculpture was well described with information about the artist and grouped in well defined sections that had a logical flow that began from the earliest works to the most recent. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take photos in the exhibit hall, so you’ll just have to go and see the art for yourself.
Alternatively, you can also opt to purchase the book (only $39.95) or borrow my copy. Yours truly is acknowledged on page 513 :)
Additional Coverage:
- Rare modern Asian American art at de Young (San Francisco Chronicle, November 12, 2008)
- Landmark Asian American art book shatters wall of silence (Stanford News Report, November 12, 2008)
- Stanford University Press listing: Asian American Art: A History, 1850-1970
- de Young Asian | American | Modern Art Scholar Panel
- New Book Examines Asian Artists’ Contributions to American Art (Asian Week, November 7, 2008)