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DURHAM, NC – The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University presents Dis/orient: Contemporary Art of the Asian Diaspora, a focused exhibition that examines how artists of Asian descent confront long-standing stereotypes embedded in the word “Orient.” Rooted in Western imperialism, the term historically enforced a sense of distance and “otherness” that continues to shape cultural perceptions today. Dis/orient brings together artists who use humor, memory, tradition, and personal narrative to challenge this legacy and illuminate the richness and multiplicity of the Asian diaspora.
Featuring works ranging from Stephanie Shih’s ceramic sculptures inspired by everyday grocery items to Asuka Anastacia Ogawa’s dreamlike paintings shaped by her Japanese and Brazilian heritage, the exhibition highlights how layered symbols and stories can expose the subtle ways colonial histories persist in daily life. Collectively, the artists reveal a dynamic field of diasporic experiences—marked by resilience, creativity, and ongoing transformation.
“Dis/orient invites viewers to look beyond the flattened idea of a single ‘Orient’ and instead appreciate the complexity, humor, and emotional depth that define contemporary Asian diasporic art,” said Julianne Miao, curatorial associate at the Nasher Museum. “Each artist brings a distinct perspective, reminding us that identity is never monolithic. It is lived, questioned, and continually reshaped.”
Dis/orient: Contemporary Art of the Asian Diaspora is on view in the museum’s Wilson Pavilion from December 13, 2025, through July 19, 2026. Throughout the exhibition’s run, the museum will present a range of public programs, including a gallery talk, film screening, and free drop-in tours.
The exhibition is curated by Julianne Miao, Curatorial Associate at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, and is made possible by the Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Fund for Exhibitions.
Featuring nine works, the show brings together artists Korakrit Arunanondchai, Yun-Fei Ji, Taiyo Kimura, Asuka Anastacia Ogawa, Ravelle Pillay, Pinaree Sanpitak, Stephanie H. Shih, Do Ho Suh, and Liên Trương. For more information, visit nasher.duke.edu.
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About the Nasher Museum of Art
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a leading center for the arts in Durham, North Carolina, and a vital resource for both the Duke campus and the surrounding region. Designed by acclaimed architect Rafael Viñoly, the 65,000-square-foot museum has organized more than 125 cutting-edge exhibitions since its opening in 2005, many of which have traveled nationally and internationally. With a strong commitment to contemporary art, the Nasher’s collection emphasizes work by artists who have been historically underrepresented, reflecting its mission to shape a more inclusive art historical narrative. Deeply integrated into Duke’s academic life, the museum fosters interdisciplinary research, supports innovative teaching, and engages students and faculty in critical dialogue. The Nasher also welcomes broader audiences through vibrant community and K–12 programs, and has offered free admission to all visitors since 2022, thanks to the generosity of Jennifer McCracken New and Jason New. To date, more than 1.6 million people have experienced the museum’s exhibitions and programs. Guests can enjoy local fare at the Nasher Museum Café and shop art-inspired gifts at Parker & Otis. Learn more at nasher.duke.edu.
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