‘Chinoiserie’, the Western appropriation of Asian aesthetics, briefly represented the height of fashion for European aristocracy during the early eighteenth century, before falling out of favour and being variously characterised as effeminate, immoral and transgressive.
Today the style remains something of a guilty pleasure, via its undeniable aesthetic charm, but intensely problematic and kitsch appropriation of Asian culture.
Conceived and curated by Andrew Nicholls, A Gentle Misinterpretation: Australian Artists and Chinoiserie features new works by thirteen Australian artists investigating this fascinating legacy.
A Gentle Misinterpretation will transform FAC’s gallery spaces into an opulent, sensual and comedic exploration of one of Western culture’s most fascinating aesthetic curiosities.
Artists
- Abdul Abdullah
- Casey Ayres
- Nathan Beard
- Sandra Black
- Tanija and Graham Carr
- David Charles Collins
- Theo Costantino
- Susan Flavell
- Tarryn Gill
- Pilar Mata Dupont
- Cherish Marrington
- Andrew Nicholls
- And various artisans from Jingdezhen China and residents of Brighton, UK
Curator
Andrew Nicholls
Artworks for Sale
Works in A Gentle Misinterpretation are for sale.
Browse and purchase works from our online store.
Nation-wide shipping available. View the full terms and conditions.
Artist Talk
Details coming soon
Curator Tour
Free tours, registrations essential. Visit the event pages, linked above, to secure your place.
Tactile Tour
Bookings essential, please email [email protected]
Quiet Hour
The hour between 9–10am is quiet hour, and available on request. Individuals, groups and families with special needs wanting to experience our exhibitions in a more relaxed, unhurried environment can request access to the galleries before they open to the public. Please contact [email protected] or phone 08 9432 9555 for more information.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body
