ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Critic Faults Met's "Costume Art" Show for Forced Pairings and Thin Premise

opinion-review · 2026-10-21

A review by Hyperallergic of the "Costume Art" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art argues that the show's concept of exploring the connection between clothing and the body is overly simplistic. Located in the new Condé M. Nast Galleries, the exhibition showcases around 200 garments categorized into body typologies, including "Naked and Nude Body" and "Pregnant Body." Curator Andrew Bolton emphasized that the contrasts allow attendees to examine objects through the lens of fashion. However, certain combinations, like Chet Lo's designs alongside Picasso's "The Blind Man's Meal," face scrutiny. The review also points out the lack of representation for artists with disabilities, such as Emilie Louise Gossiaux, and criticizes the prevalence of works by cis men in the "Pregnant Body" section.

Key facts

  • "Costume Art" is on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute
  • The exhibition fills the new Condé M. Nast Galleries, nearly 12,000 square feet adjacent to the Grand Hall
  • About 200 garments are included in the show
  • Works are organized by body typologies including "Naked and Nude Body," "Anatomical Body," "Abstract Body," "Aging Body," "Mortal Body," "Epidermal Body," "Pregnant Body," and "Reclaimed Body"
  • Andrew Bolton is the Costume Institute's Curator in Charge
  • Chet Lo's Spring 2025 designs are paired with Picasso's "The Blind Man's Meal" (1903)
  • A limestone votive ear inscribed "I belong to a deaf person" (4th–3rd century BCE) accompanies Justin Dougan-Leblanc's "Deaf Dysmorphia" ensemble (2023)
  • Michaela Stark's "Twisted" (2026) is shown with a Hans Bellmer poupée photograph in the "Reclaimed Body" section

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Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources

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