From Oct. 11–Nov. 6, the Frankie G. Weems Gallery at Meredith College will be holding an exhibition featuring the work from a local artist, feminist and activist, Kulsum Tasnif entitled “The Protest Purse.”
The Herald contacted Todd Jones, visiting Assistant Professor and Weems Gallery Director, to get more information on the exhibition. He said, “in 2018, Kulsum immersed herself in stories of multicultural and multigenerational women, learning what inspires us to resist and to exist in these times of national chaos, global catastrophes and day-to-day struggles.” He continued, “the resistance purses are portraits of contemporary human struggles and triumphs. “The Protest Purse” is an ongoing project that seeks to re-contextualize how we see protest and allows insight into the hearts and minds of a diverse community of women.”
With such powerful work, there is bound to be many layers of personal experience and inspiration behind each piece. When asked about what Tasnif’s inspiration was for the work displayed, Jones said, “Kulsum spent several years entangled in emotion, dealing with loss and finding solace in the stories of survivors.”
“The Protest Purse” is open to viewers Oct. 11–Nov. 6, 2022 in Frankie G. Weems Gallery. A closing reception will be held on Nov. 6 from 3–5 p.m. Current hours at Frankie G. Weems Gallery are Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
By Haileigh West, Reporter