The Mai Ling: NOT YOUR ORNAMENT exhibition at Secession delves into the concept of 'ornamentalism', examining how Asian femininity has been constructed as decorative objects in Western imagination. This thought-provoking display by the Vienna-based artist collective challenges historical narratives through mixed media installations. Visitors can explore themes of resistance, pleasure, and collective identity, engaging with diverse perspectives and artistic expressions.
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This exhibition by the artist collective Mai Ling examines 'ornamentalism'—how Asian femininity has been constructed as decorative objects. It challenges racist fantasies and explores themes of resistance, pleasure, and collective identity through mixed media installations and discourse.
Mai Ling, an artist collective founded in Vienna in 2019, presents 'NOT YOUR ORNAMENT' at the Secession, exploring experiences of racism, sexism, and prejudice against Asian FLINT* individuals. The exhibition delves into the concept of 'ornamentalism,' analyzing how Asian femininity has been constructed as decorative objects in Western imagination. Drawing parallels with the Secession's Jugendstil-inspired ornamentation, Mai Ling reclaims agency against the decorative aesthetic that perpetuates the sexualization and dehumanization of Asian bodies. The exhibition centers on the Kudzu plant and its association with 'stickiness' as a means of resistance and pleasure. Mai Ling's video installation 'Becoming Stickiness' personifies the collective's journey with Kudzu, embracing its ability to take up space, merge with its environment, and resist eradication. Visitors can engage with the theme through planted ornamental species and historical narratives about imported houseplants, uncovering complex interconnections between colonialism, horticulture, and migrant experiences. The exhibition space also features a reading room for discussions on collectivity and diasporic communities, alongside tours in various Asian languages, fostering informal gatherings and dialogues.
Admission and guided tours are free. Visitors are directed to the Secession's foyer for meeting points for guided tours. Ticketing information for general entry is available via a link to an external ticketing platform ('tickets'). Further information on entry and opening hours is available on the 'Informationen & Tickets' page, and the general museum ticket policy can be found on the Secession's website under 'Informationen & Tickets'. Doors are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and are currently open today. Guided tours are free and max. 20 participants are allowed. Treffpunkt im Foyer der Secession. Access to the exhibition is free, with the option to book guided tours in multiple Asian languages and German. Visitors are advised to check the Secession's website for precise opening hours and ticketing details for general admission, as some details point to a separate ticketing portal or general museum admission policies, but entry and guided tours for this specific exhibition are noted as free for a limited number of participants. Visitors can find more information and book tours via links to the respective event pages and a general ticketing portal.
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