Im/Perfect Modernisms explores how artists in Asia have engaged with the realities and legacies of colonization, war, and cultural transformation in the post-war era through the lens of Modernism. What kind of work did these artists make while operating within the Western art historical construct of Modernism, from which they have historically been “othered”? Thought-provoking, observant, and at times subversive, the artworks in this exhibition demonstrate the range and originality of modernist styles across Asia. Featuring artists from India, Pakistan, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and Japan, the exhibition will offer a view into the complexities of cultural identity, resistance, and transformation in these post-colonial nation-states. All of the works on view are drawn from the Museum’s collection, and span woodblock prints, ceramics, paintings, photography, and video art. This exhibition is curated by Yagnaseni Datta, the Museum’s Sohail and Mona Masood Assistant Curator of Asian and Islamic Art.
This exhibition is generously supported by the Fletcher Foundation. It is also funded in part by the Maria and John Dirlam Fund and Hall and Kate Peterson Fund. Related exhibition programming is supported by Burrow Movie Fund and Spear Fund for Public Programs. Sponsored by: Country Bank.
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