Is furniture cultural appropriation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you wouldn’t put up African art, then don’t put up Asian art. I would do both and don’t think either one is “appropriation.” But don’t do something to Asians that you think would be wrong with regard to Black people. Again, I don’t think it’s wrong to appreciate art and furniture from other cultures. But if you think it’s weird to decorate with African textiles, then you should equally think it’s weird to decorate with Asian wallpaper.

Not really the same. Chinoiserie is a French blend of Asian/Chinese art.

But mostly, Black people would not be okay with non Black people having African art up in their homes. And if a public figure did this they would likely be cancelled.

This is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I'm Asian American, and I own paintings and textiles made by both African and Black American artists. (I also own artwork made by Asian American, Asian, and Mexican/indigenous artists.) I bought these works directly from the artists who made them. Why would anyone cancel me for displaying their art in my home?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you wouldn’t put up African art, then don’t put up Asian art. I would do both and don’t think either one is “appropriation.” But don’t do something to Asians that you think would be wrong with regard to Black people. Again, I don’t think it’s wrong to appreciate art and furniture from other cultures. But if you think it’s weird to decorate with African textiles, then you should equally think it’s weird to decorate with Asian wallpaper.

I partially agree; I don’t think the art is the issue though I would be wary of art that depicts the stereotype of the happy barefoot tribal African people, the same way that the geisha/rice paddy man Asian trope gives me the ick. Buying “cultural” art from Homegoods rather than an individual artist is a bit fuzzy, as it tends to be commercialization of a stereotype. With Chinoiserie furniture, though, I would add that it is not really appreciation of Asian culture - it tends to be appreciation of colonialism. It’s effectively the style of Europeans occupying an “exotic” country, which is a distinction to be mindful of. I have yet to see chippendale chairs in most Asian family homes, but they are rife in the Southern White Woman decor.

Agree that chinoiserie is a celebration of colonialism/cultural appropriation. Displaying African art made by an African artist is not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you wouldn’t put up African art, then don’t put up Asian art. I would do both and don’t think either one is “appropriation.” But don’t do something to Asians that you think would be wrong with regard to Black people. Again, I don’t think it’s wrong to appreciate art and furniture from other cultures. But if you think it’s weird to decorate with African textiles, then you should equally think it’s weird to decorate with Asian wallpaper.

Not really the same. Chinoiserie is a French blend of Asian/Chinese art.

But mostly, Black people would not be okay with non Black people having African art up in their homes. And if a public figure did this they would likely be cancelled.

Why? Say someone lived in an African country and purchased a mask created by local artisans while they were there and displayed it in their home in the US?