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Installation view of Text, Paratext, and Images on view 09-01-2020 through 07-24-2021 at the RISD Museum.

Text, Paratext, and Images

September 1, 2020 - July 24, 2021
Installation view of Text, Paratext, and Images on view 09-01-2020 through 07-24-2021 at the RISD Museum.

Introduction

As a form of communication, text conveys information and meaning. It also presents an opportunity for interpretation and artistic engagement. Paratext-literally “beside text”-includes the more subtle associations a text carries, including reference notes, inscriptions, and the style of lettering chosen. When artists combine image with text and paratext, new layers of interpretation are introduced, and new spaces of discourse are created.

This exhibition examines the relationships between text, paratext, and image. Examples from Qur’an manuscripts to historical Japanese prints to contemporary works explore text as decoration and reveal the aesthetic qualities manifested in stencil, print, and manuscript forms. These works also highlight how different manipulations of texts and images signal social class, education, and other cultural hierarchies and norms, and how intercultural exchange can take place through the juxtaposition of different languages and the circulation and interpretation of works that pair text and image.

Text, Paratext, and Images is curated by Kuan-Hung Liu (Brown PhD 2023, History of Art and Architecture) and Kimia Rahnavardi (RISD MDes 2020, Interior Architecture, Adaptive Reuse).

Wai Yee Chiong

Exhibition images

Gallery space with tan walls and peaceful lighting. Several works hang on the far wall, with additional objects in a case in the foreground.

Events

upcoming exhibition

Text, Paratext, and Images: Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Japanese Print Gallery
September 1, 2020 - July 24, 2021
  • Talks and Conversations

Exhibition Overview

Text, Paratext, and Images
January 15, 2021 / 12-1 pm

More Events +

Selected Objects

An illustrated manuscript depicting a spotted blue dragon above pink cliffs, with a horse-drawn chariot, and finely dressed figures a lush natural setting.

Unknown Maker, Persian

Isfandiyar and the Dragon, Safavid

Unknown Maker, Indian

Poem

Muhammed Ali

The Poet Hafiz with Entertainers, Safavid

Unknown Maker, Japanese

Stencil (Katagami) with text

Unknown Maker, Persian

Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Zulayka

Unknown Maker, Gujarat

Leaf from a Jain Kalpasutra manuscript

Ochiai Yoshiiku

Utsusemi: Watanabe no Tsuna Chapter 3 from the series Modern Parodies of Genji (Imayō nazaroe Genji), Edo (Japanese period)

Unknown Maker, Thai

Manuscript and Covers
  • More objects +

Exhibition Checklist

Text, Paratext, and Images

September 1, 2020 - July 24, 2021
View Checklist pdf
View Checklist pdf
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