I Eat Rose (Kiki de Montparnasse) 1996

Walasse Ting created “I Eat Rose (Kiki de Montparnasse)” with acrylics on canvas. It references Alice Prin, nicknamed Kiki de Montparnasse, who was a famous artist's model, nightclub singer, actress, and painter. Painted in the late 20th century, the artwork is a provocative and vibrant commentary on the gaze and commodification of women in art. Ting's approach, blending Western modernism with traditional Chinese aesthetics, challenges conventional portraiture. Kiki, a symbol of bohemian Paris, is depicted here not as a passive object but as an active participant, almost consuming the rose, which is a traditional symbol of beauty and femininity. What does it mean to see a female figure take control of these symbols? Perhaps Ting encourages us to reflect on the power dynamics within the art world and the evolving roles of women within it. Further research into Ting’s cultural background and the history of Kiki de Montparnasse would reveal more about the complex interplay of gender, culture, and artistic expression present in this work.