Arrangment in Yellow & Black 

John Michael Carter painted "Arrangement in Yellow & Black" sometime after his birth in 1950. It depicts a woman in a kimono standing in front of a mirror, fixing an earring. The painting invites us to reflect on the historical fascination with Japanese culture in the West. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japonisme influenced Western art, fashion, and design. Kimonos, like the one worn by the subject, became fashionable garments for Western women, symbolizing exoticism and sophistication. However, this appropriation often occurred without a deep understanding of Japanese culture, reducing it to a mere aesthetic. What does it mean to adorn oneself in the cultural symbols of another? Carter's painting allows us to consider the complexities of cultural exchange and representation, and perhaps how the woman's identity is shaped by the act of dressing and self-presentation. It evokes a sense of intimacy, inviting us to contemplate the emotional and personal dimensions of cultural identity and performance.