I don't think, that this artist choose to create a caucasian face because she wanted to elevate westerners over her own race. Many westerners love to paint or are inspired by oriental people too! She may "admire" caucasian figures and she felt inspired to create this sculpures, but to "admire" is way different than to "elevate" one thing over another. Moreover, the text says that she is inspired by Renaissance art, so this may be the specific reason why this sculptures have an european look.

I find it ironic that you are one of those people that has, in the past, commented 'Why bring up race!' on many a posts yet here we are...Also, as someone who is actually of Asian descent, I can tell you that not all of us have 'Mongoloid' eyes and flat faces. Actually, right now walking the streets of Tokyo you will see many full-Japanese faces that don't look like the Western-imagined stereotype. And yes, I DO happen to have that Psychology degree, too.

First, "Asian" refers to people and "oriental" refers to inanimate objects. Next, some of the subjects appear to be Asian and some appear to be Caucasian. The Renaissance inspiration appears to be linked to the timeframe where "veiled" sculptures were popular. Several artists are known for carving figures out of marble with such skill that they appear to be real figures wearing thin sheets of cloth. "The Veiled Virgin" and "the Veiled Christ" are a couple popular examples of the technique.

ASIAN the word is ASIAN FFS. And the statues look EURASIAN.

Sir , The word Oriental used only on material things such as Rugs, Vase, furniture And for human being it's ASIANS .

because they have. countries like japan see white European people as the standard of beauty. i live in japan for 10 years and sadly japanese women dont think they are pretty for them white features are what beauty is even when Japanese and shout Korean women are really beautiful.

Are you projecting something?

well my thoughts are, why do you think these are Caucasian subjects? i see nothing of their profile that looks specifically white or Asian. Body structure, face type and hair style can all go either way there.

You actually used the word "oriental" instead of Asian? Jesus on a cracker...

She's making statues inspired by the European Renaissance. Makes sense to me that she'd use European subjects.

Just FYI, it's Asian, not Oriental. They aren't rugs.

There's a ton of eastern art that includes Asian figures. Do a little research.

I was wondering the same thing, sir. For international approval?

I'm sorry where did you get that the sculptures are western subjects. To me I see the artist's own face on most of these women.

After I cringed at you referring to asians as "orientals" I then went back and re-read the part where the art was "inspired by Renaissance and Baroque sculpting techniques" which are heavily european.

"...fellow orientals" Really? ffs...

My first thought is that she doesn't have "fellow orientals"....ffs

We are not rugs. Don't call us orientals. Just because she creates different races, doesn't mean she thinks they are more beautiful than other races. Why automatically assume that? Maybe there is a background story to her creation?

I can't help but feel you reached this conclusion without actually delving very deep into the work of Asian artists. Perhaps the media you consume is not showing you a representative cross-section of what's out there?

Unrelated to sculpture but in the same manner... I collect vinyl albums and I have several Japanese albums that we call "cheesecake covers" because they show sensual, barely dressed western women on the covers. Often bare-breasted, sometimes total or a teen girl riding a bike in a bra and panties etc. I've always wondered what the deal was with that.

My son and I have had conversations about Anime and why the characters appear "Caucasian." We looked it up, seeing as we are both curious. Artistically in the Asian cultures, depending on which country and what format, there is no real difference to the Asian peoples if they *appear* "Caucasian." For example, the Japanese did not see a "White/Caucasian" person in an Anime, they saw a PERSON. Which we both found interesting. Perhaps this same thought process is in action here. While Western society sees "Color", in the artists mind she sees only a PERSON.

Maybe because they're "Women Inspired By Renaissance Art"? :p

Maybe it's because they're "Women Inspired By Renaissance Art"? :p

Asians, not orientals

did you miss the "inspired by renaissance and barocque" bit? not a lot of monolids in that gallery.

Since most, if not all, the original works of art (European Renaissance) are of western faces, it makes sense to use them to fulfill the goal here - Natalia said it well, but John has a point - western looking faces, fashion, movies, culture, etc, have been popular with Asian folks for decades. "Round Eye" surgery to make their faces appear more Caucasian is on the rise (Korean and Chinese people seem to get the surgery more often than others, I've read) and some parents are even having their children's eyes changed, hoping to give them a more "successful" life. I taught ESL in the 80's and the college age kids in my sessions were obsessed with North American everything (jeans, movie-stars, eye-shape - everything).... I agree it is a little sad; there is such beauty in Asian faces and Asian art, and Euro-Americans and Europeans have always thought so, ever since the first white person caught sight of an Asian face.)

If anyone from the West visits China, they will see all kinds of incredible art. I've been to ten cities, as an artist, and saw some Western style figures, but mostly Asian figures in paintings and sculpture, unless depicting brand name arts from the West.

The depth of why each individual artist creates in the style that they do isn't always easy to determine on the surface, but as a graduate of Art School myself, I know that we're taught and exposed to various art movements from all over the world. We studied asian art as well. So most likely, the Renaissance period just inspired her the most .

Exactly my thoughts!

I think that holds some truth in pop culture John, in this case renaissance art "belongs" in Europe, so the subjects seem era appropriate I guess.

i think the reason is as simple as fanciness.

I lived in China for two years (I am white and blonde), and I did experience all the time how Chinese people act like white (and blonde) is the prettiest type of women. It is very strange! I would aften get asked if I was a celebrity, only because I'm white and blonde!

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

LOL cause our girls have no boobs or asses.

I bet she can make awesome looking knight statues too!