Opening Reception for “The New Global Women”

 

A new exhibit at Alfons Gallery will continue the long-standing commitment of the School Sisters of St. Francis to the arts and social justice. “The New Global Women,” presenting artwork by photographer Larry D’Attilio, will be on display February 10-March 10, 2013, with an opening reception on Sunday, February 10, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. D’Attilio will present an artist talk from 2:00-2:15 p.m.

Signed art prints will be given to the first 50 people who attend the February 10 reception.

“The New Global Women” is a photographic exploration of the challenges faced by young Vietnamese women. D’Attilio, a New York native, was a resident artist at Campus Ha Noi in Vietnam from 2006-2007, which is where he found the inspiration for this series.

“Though D’Attilio’s images are portraits of young Vietnamese women, they are not typical portraits,” said Alfons Gallery Director Valerie J. Christell. “The abstract quality of his constructed images upholds his Postmodern role as the ‘Other,’ in spite of his immersion in the culture.”

“In Vietnam—a country sprinting towards first-world status—some women suddenly have the same freedom to make decisions for themselves that Western women have,” D’Attilio said. “But how do they deal with their overwhelming inner dialogue, trying to balance their sense of self with all the traditional expectations?”

Through this exhibit, D’Attilio aims to offer visitors a unique, insider’s opportunity to witness the struggles of the young women featured in his photographs.

Christell noted “ ‘The New Global Women’ exhibit is a reflection on a fundamental issue faced by diverse women throughout the world as technology generates a global sharing of cultures. The exploration of women confronting issues in Vietnam is a starting point for a larger dialogue about women’s roles throughout the world.”

As part of the exhibit’s run, D’Attilio will offer an artist talkback titled “Constructing and Deconstructing Images” at Alfons Gallery on Sunday, February 24 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Alfons Gallery is located at St. Joseph Center, 1501 S. Layton Blvd. (27th Street and Greenfield Avenue) in Milwaukee. Free parking is available in the lot that is accessible on 29th and Orchard (Alexia Circle entrance). For more information on Alfons Gallery, please email vchristell@sssf.org, call 414-385-5273, or visit the gallery’s website at www.sssf.org/gallery.

Gallery Hours are Wednesday through Friday and Sunday from 12:00-3:00 p.m.