Sculptor Ann Weiner Confronts Violence Against Women In new exhibit at Housatonic Museum of Art

December 8, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Laura Roberts, 203-273-2218

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (December 8, 2017)   The Housatonic Museum of Art is proud to present its next exhibition, When Caged Birds Sing by Ann Weiner. The exhibit features eight life-size sculptures that represent current day activists for Women’s Rights, and an opening reception with the artist will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 5:30 to 7 pm. The exhibition will be on view through February 10, 2018.

The exhibit’s title, When Caged Birds Sing, is based on the Maya Angelou poem Caged Bird. Like birds trapped in their cages, the women in this installation intone their stories of survival and freedom from abuse. They sing about freedom from violence and oppression, as well as the freedom to advocate for others who are still at risk.

The exhibition shares the real-life stories of eight courageous women who each endured, and survived, abuse that is rarely discussed openly. Through assemblage art, Weiner thrusts domestic abuse, sex trafficking, date rape, kidnapping, transphobia, female genital mutilation, honor killings, the denial of educational opportunities and the sale of child brides into the spotlight.

“I tell the stories of these incredible women in the hope that their voices will be heard, their suffering will be seen, and that more of the world will rise up to prevent the abuses they have endured, which are still inflicted on their mothers, sisters, and daughters,” said Weiner.

“Art exhibitions can be safe places to talk about dangerous or ugly topics, especially when they provide help and hope,” said Robbin Zella, Executive Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art. “This installation provides opportunities for dialogue and highlights the gender bias and discriminatory attitudes that engender violence towards women around the world. However, it also provides tangible proof of resiliency that will hopefully create positive change, encourage prevention and transform attitudes.”

The Housatonic Museum of Art (HMA) is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in Bridgeport, CT and is home to one of the premier college art collections in the United States.  Its collection offers students and the community alike the opportunity to view works that span the history of art from the ancient to the contemporary.  Unique to the Housatonic Community College campus, this permanent collection is on continuous display throughout the 300,000 square foot facility, offering a rare opportunity for both art enthusiasts and casual observers to view and interact with the art on a daily basis.  Visit www.HousatonicMuseum.org to learn more.