The Retrograde
July 7, 2025
Bohemian artist Cecilia Chiang paints a story of multifaceted joy
The 91-year-old artist’s recent exhibit “Don’t Tell Me What To Do” leaves a bold, colorful impression as remarkable as her own life story
It’s not every day you get the chance to speak to a true artist. It’s even more rare for that artist to have a compelling story. Cecilia Chiang then, is certainly rare.
This April, the Crow Museum opened a new exhibit titled “Don’t Tell Me What To Do,” featuring an unexpected creator: a woman in her 90s that only started painting in her 50s. Chiang, despite the relatively “late start,” has an impressive collection numbering in the thousands. The reason: Chiang has an almost daily habit of creating. But why?
Don’t Tell Me What to Do
Crow Museum of Asian Art, Dallas, TX
Opening Reception Video
Video highlights of the opening of the “Don’t Tell Me What To Do” exhibit at the Crow Museum of Asian Art. Hear from the artist, museum officers, family, friends, and supporters of art, creativity, and family.