Art of Human Expression

In ancient China, beauty was defined in the bound feet of women; in the Victorian era, corsets helped define a woman’s figure and her attraction. 

An exhibit highlighting the many ways people enhance their looks — and express who they are or would like others to see them — continues through March 31 in the Atrium Gallery of the Pollak Library. Hundreds of items and photographs from around the world and through the ages are on display as a part of “Adornment: The Art of Human Expression.”

Caption: Veronica Chiang

“It’s interesting to see how cultures view beauty,” said Veronica Chiang, exhibit curator. “What is beautiful for one can seem odd to another, like the brass coils elongating the necks of women among the Padaung hill tribe of Myanmar. Other cultures think it worthwhile to pierce their bodies, or to cut and polish stones, then attach them to themselves.” 

Many of the items displayed have cultural purposes, as well, Chiang pointed out, such as to project status, power and wealth. 

“There are so many different ways to express ourselves with a great variety of adornments, but there also is much in common across cultures, and cultures have heavy influence on each other,” she added. 

“It was hard choosing from the many pieces in the private collections that contributed to this exhibit. The items being shown represent art and beauty, as well as giving insights to many cultures,” said Chiang. “It’s a bit of an anthropological lesson, as well.” 

Exhibit curators were Chiang, artist Scott FitzGerald, and Linda Herman, emeritus librarian. 

“Adornment” is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, contact Chiang at 657-278-2990 or vchiang@fullerton.edu.

 

Caption: A gown and samples of shoes made for women with bound feet are part of the current Pollak Library exhibit, “Adornment: The Art of Human Expression. 

Oct. 12