Ava Yikun Xu: Metamorphosis

About

The exhibition explores the complexities of representation and challenges societal norms. Through her thought-provoking work, Ava delves into the fetishization of Asian women and offers a fresh perspective on female identity and empowerment.

In Metamorphosis, Xu takes a bold approach to deconstructing and materializing female body parts that have long been objectified and sexualized. By stripping away their conventional sexual connotations, she presents these body parts as weighty, textured objects, imbued with a new sense of agency. Through this process, Xu disrupts ingrained narratives and prompts viewers to critically examine the ways in which women, especially Asian women, have been historically portrayed.

The exhibition invites viewers to engage in a dialogue surrounding representation, gender, sexuality, and cultural identity. Xu's art acts as a catalyst for contemplation, encouraging introspection and questioning of prevailing assumptions. By challenging societal norms and exploring the multifaceted layers of identity, she invites viewers to reconsider their own perspectives and preconceived notions.

Metamorphosis is a transformative experience that merges critical inquiry with visual aesthetics. Through her skillful use of materials and meticulous attention to detail, Xu invites viewers to encounter the human form in a new light—one that transcends objectification and celebrates the complexity of the individual.

Opening Reception: Friday, July 21, 2023, 5-7PM

Gallery 456
456 Broadway, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10013
Elevator Accessible

Hours: M, W, F, 1-5pm

Chinese American Arts Council's Gallery 456 Visual Arts Exhibition Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.