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Weavings of War: Fabrics of Memory
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Siyazama: Traditional Arts, Education and AIDS in South Africa
Extended through Aug. 13, 2006 - MSU Museum
"Weavings of War: Fabrics of Memory" exhibit, Main Gallery
"Weavings of War" showcases textiles made in a variety of techniques by artists -- mostly women -- who have incorporated pictorial imagery in their work to communicate their personal and collective experiences with war. Many of the artists represented by the work in "Weavings of War" still live in countries marked by recent conflict; some are refugees who have resettled in the United States. Examples of work are drawn from Afghanistan, Chile, Laos, Lebanon, Peru, South Africa and Thailand. “Weavings” represents an eloquent and powerful testimony of the impacts of modern warfare in our world and the resilience of folk arts in contemporary life.
Extended through January 7, 2007 - MSU Museum
"Siyazama: Traditional Arts, Education and AIDS in South Africa" exhibit, Heritage Gallery
The Siyazama (Zulu for "we are trying") Project, uses traditional and contemporary artistic expression to document the realities of HIV/AIDS; to open lines of communication about the virus; and to establish a model for collaborations among artists, educators, and health practitioners. The exhibit showcases a sampling of the artistic work created by participants in the Siyazama Project -- fiber and wire baskets, dolls, necklaces and other beadwork -- and explores the application of traditional knowledge and skills to contemporary issues and experiences. In addition, the exhibition includes work by other artists in South Africa who have received national awards for their traditional creations as well as work produced as part of craft-based economic development projects. The exhibit grew out of long-standing MSU Museum fieldwork in South Africa.
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