Strangeness of Beauty 1999

Editor: This is Margaret Lanzetta’s “Strangeness of Beauty,” a large-scale print. The repeating patterns are so ornate, but the grey palette feels almost industrial. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a critique of beauty standards embedded in historical power structures. The ornamental design evokes aristocracy, but the muted colors and repetitive nature hint at the labor and conformity that uphold those systems. How might this relate to contemporary ideals of beauty and their impact on identity? Editor: So, the “strangeness” is in the tension between the beautiful form and its complicated origins? Curator: Precisely. It challenges us to consider whose beauty is valued and at what cost. Editor: That makes me think about fast fashion and other industries that profit from exploiting labor. Curator: Exactly. Art like this encourages us to engage critically with the world around us. Editor: I’ll definitely look at patterns differently now.