🌟 Reflecting on an inspiring journey of art and empowerment! 🎨✨
“The love expressed between women is particular and powerful because we have had to love in order to live; love has been our survival.” - Audre Lorde
“This exhibition is made in honour of those who first inspired me” - Elena Gallina @r_elena_gallina
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the “Celebrating Girlhood” community art day, where we explored the essence of femininity through the artistic vision of Elena Gallina and other creators!
In “Çiknia jonë: Our Girlhood” exhibition at the Rhodes Trust, feminist photographer Elena Gallina delved into the strength of female relationships and the bonds forged in the aftermath of male violence. Set against the backdrop of post-war Kosovo and the city of Mitrovica, the exhibition celebrates the resilience and love of women in challenging times.
Elena Gallina, a @rhodestrust Scholar and the first Artist in Residence at Rhodes Trust, focused on the Kosovar tradition of collecting and trading paper napkins. Through interviews with women ranging from 17 to 89 years old, the exhibition captures the intergenerational circles of girlhood and the changes in this tradition before and after war.
Our “Celebrating Girlhood” art workshop was a joyous occasion where participants of all ages expressed their creativity on a canvas, reflecting on the theme of girlhood. The resulting artwork, each cut into a unique “napkin,” serves as a cherished memento of our creative journey together.
Thank you for being part of this celebration of art, sisterhood, and resilience! 🌟
📸 Photos of the opening event images by Lee Atherton
