The Zimmerli Museum is a wonderful artistic resource that we can enjoy in the heart of our hub city. Thus, some of the Free Spirits headed over to the museum after having their brown bag lunches. We enjoyed a fascinating exhibit by the female Moroccan-born photographer, Lalla Essaydi, titled Les Femmes du Maroc. Her enormous photos of Moroccan women in staged narratives were juxtaposed with Western male paintings from the 19 century. Her photos, taken in the th last five years, showed women draped in Arabic calligraphy-like traditional dress forms, although the fabric was white muslin, thus showing the calligraphy.
Also unusual was that their bodies (faces, legs, hands, etc.) were covered with Arabic calligraphy painted on with henna. Once again, the artist used various techniques and methods to present the women in her photos in a feminist Muslim way. This exhibition goes until Jun 6th and is well worth the visit.
For March, we have planned to enjoy our annual Blarney Day celebration. All Free Spirits are invited to bring lunches on Mar 17th at noon. Pastor Susan will provide something green for dessert. Please bring stories or jokes to share with all.