Galleries Feature Sculptures and Women’s Rights Posters
Jan. 9, 2018
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— “Women's Rights Are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence and Discrimination” and “Line Drawings” by Claire Hedden are featured at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Merwin and Wakeley Galleries Jan. 15 through Feb. 22. Both galleries are free and open to the public.
On display in the Merwin Gallery, “Women's Rights Are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence and Discrimination” showcases 75 posters created by both men and women to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that all citizens play in protecting and promoting human rights. Organized and curated by Elizabeth Resnick, Professor Emerita of graphic design with the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, the posters challenge gender inequality and stereotypes, advance reproductive and sexual rights, advocate protecting women and girls against brutality, and promote women’s empowerment, education and participation in society.
In conjunction with the exhibit, internationally recognized New York-based artist Luba Lukova will present a talk on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Merwin Gallery. Lukova creates arguably some of the most iconic imagery in the realm of contemporary poster design. In her art, less is more: More effect, more message, and more expression, all while doing it with less. The graphic elements are bold with few fine details, but the intent is clear. Her messages reflect the human condition, fundamental fairness and justice.
On display in the Wakeley Gallery, Claire Hedden’s “Line Drawings” exhibit captures and animates liminal moments to reveal a world in which objects, beings, emotions and place are interconnected and in flux. Each sculpture’s form is an adaptation or challenge to its surroundings, expressing a range of emotions like defeat, defiance, risk or hope.
On Jan. 17 at 1 p.m., Hedden will host a public reception and talk in the Wakeley Gallery. Hedden works with clay, fabric, foam and other common materials of the domestic environment. The work is drawn from Hedden’s interests in postmodern abstraction of amassing information, contemporary domestic lifestyle, and gesture and locomotion's connection to emotion.
The “Women's Rights Are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence and Discrimination” and “Line Drawings” exhibits are on display in the Joyce G. Eichhorn Ames School of Art and Design Building (6 Ames Plaza West, Bloomington) Jan. 15 through Feb. 22.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday evenings 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
By John Twork