Trinity College's Widener Gallery is hosting its first fully student-curated exhibition, 'Reshaping Tradition: Contemporary Explorations in East Asian Art.' The show, open through April 2026, was produced by students from the 'Art History 205: East Asian Art, Now to 1850' course, who selected the artists, refined the theme, chose the works, conducted artist interviews, wrote catalogue essays, and designed the exhibition layout, all under the guidance of gallery director Lisa Lynch and professor Michael J. Hatch.
The exhibition matters as a significant pedagogical initiative, providing students with hands-on experience in curatorial practice and professional collaboration. It demonstrates the practical applications of an art history degree, teaching skills like project planning, critical presentation, and exhibition design that are transferable to various careers. The show also highlights contemporary artists who are reinterpreting classical East Asian art forms, connecting academic study with the living art world.