Photo by Steven Mynott
Written by Emma Gonzales
A mixed media exhibit titled “The Weight of…” by Bobi Bosson, a faculty member at CI, currently occupies the second floor of the CI library. The exhibit showcases a strong commitment to social justice. This artwork highlights many issues that women face, such as fighting for reproductive health rights, equality within the workplace, and discrimination based on gender. Through visual art, this exhibit also incorporates the inner psyche of the maternal figure and the embodiment of the female experience within society.
Felt octopus sculpture
Photo by Emma Gonzales
One distinguishable piece of artwork is an octopus symbolizing a mother’s responsibility. This 12’ by 12’ felt sculpture is stitched and pinned together using baby blankets and contains intricate details such as baby food caps and bra cups to represent the suckers on an octopus. There are many glittery pillows tucked right next to it along with a beanbag and an armoire. This soft sculpture portrays a mother as the backbone of the family because of her many duties in nurturing and caring for her children, similar to an octopus with eight arms. The pillows, chair and armoire personify the caring, gentle nature of a mother.
“Virago Barbie”
Photo by Emma Gonzales
Another larger-than-life exhibit was a big Barbie box, reminiscent of the ones that stood in many theaters when the Barbie movie was released, spray painted pink and covered in graffiti with quotations placed all over it, such as “Nasty woman” and “Wonder Woman is a state of mind.” These quotes are used to juxtapose misogynistic attitudes toward women with more empowering perspectives. Titled “Virago Barbie,” this artwork explores the female experience with a variety of anecdotes and quotes.
