The Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport is hosting its newest exhibition “Of Woman Born” now on view through June 1, 2022. It features a selection of paintings, photographs and sculpture that explores the ways in which male dominance has manifested itself in familial, social, legal, political, religious and economic systems ”” patriarchal structures that over the centuries have continually been used to dominate, oppress and exploit women.
The exhibit traces the history of women from the Paleolithic Age to present day and explores the various methods, philosophies, policies and practices, as well as legal strategies employed by patriarchal power to exert maximum control over women”™s bodies.
“There is nothing revolutionary whatsoever about the control of women”™s bodies by men,” said author, poet and feminist Adrienne Rich. “The woman”™s body is the terrain on which patriarchy is erected.”
Artists in this exhibit look at a range of topics, including infanticide, abortion, the institution of motherhood, domestic violence, prostitution, pornography, gendercide, plastic surgery and ageism.
“Of Woman Born champions the great strides made by women, such as the right to vote and equal access to education, but there is still more work to be done,” said Robbin Zella, director of the museum. “Women”™s rights are human rights and that includes freedom from discrimination, freedom from violence and freedom from gender inequality.”
Visit HousatonicMuseum.org to view the exhibit online. The Housatonic Museum of Art is located on the Housatonic Community College campus, 900 Lafayette Blvd.
