Alumna Yao-Fen You (PhD 2004) curates exhibition at DIA
Yao-Fen You, associate curator, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts at the Detroit Institute of Arts, has curated a new exhibition at the DIA. “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate,” is on view Nov. 20, 2016–March 5, 2017. The introduction of coffee, tea and chocolate to Europe, beginning in the late 16th century, profoundly changed drinking habits, tastes and social customs, and spurred an insatiable demand for specialized vessels such as tea canisters, coffee cups, sugar bowls and chocolate pots. The exhibition is organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.The Detroit Institute of Arts
"The 68 works of art in “Bitter|Sweet” are mostly from the museum’s comprehensive holdings in pre-1850 European silver and ceramics. Highlights include three exquisitely decorated beverage services: a rare 24-piece set made by Germany’s Fürstenberg Porcelain Manufactory; a set once owned by Prince Louis, Duke of Nemours that illustrates the refinement of early 19th-century French Sèvres porcelain; and a Vienna Porcelain ensemble for two associated with Archduke Joseph of Austria. DIA paintings, prints and sculpture related to the arrival and impact of the beverages in Europe help create new contexts and connections for objects from the permanent collection." -DIA