 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Coronado Museum Exhibit
Contact: Joe Ditler
619.435.7242
"OPHELIA RISING"
CORONADO - At a glance "Ophelia Rising" was a series of sculptures dressed in intricate and engaging women's undergarments dating back to the 1770s; by themselves objects of beauty and curiosity. Upon closer inspection, the undergarments proved to be as deadly and constrictive, as they were beautiful and complex.
The Coronado Museum of History & Art, in celebration of Women's History Month presented the exhibit, "Ophelia Rising," from March 3 through June 1, 2006.
Curator Andrea Singer elected to use historical fashion as a jumping-off point for an exploration of women as the subject of constraint. "Restrictions which were once externally manifested and easy to identify are now socially veiled and more internal," says Singer.
"They are hidden, perhaps not under petticoats or bustles, yet they remain -- seductive, powerful, and such an integral part of our lives --that we seldom see them for what they are. They are often lurking in what is expected of us, or in the options available to us when making a choice," she said.
The exhibit of 11 well-dressed, life-size sculptures was back-dropped by hand-written letters from women all over the world describing liberating moments and enlightening decisions that changed their lives.
It is through this fascinating and visual juxtaposition of historical women's undergarments, and contemporary women's stories that a dialogue begins concerning the female identity. The message invites us, men and women, to reflect on decisions that have shaped our own lives.
The Museum of History & Art is part of the Coronado Historical Association. They are located at 1100 Orange Avenue, in the historic 1917 Harter Building. More on the Coronado Historical Association is available at www.coronadohistory.org.
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