In Honor of Women's History Month, the Italian American Museum presents THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE: Hidden Bodies. Thursday, March 17th, 6:30 P.M. Artist Talk by Margherita Serra

Please join us at the Italian American Museum on Thursday evening March 17th as we celebrate Women's History Month with "The Feminine Mystique: Hidden Bodies", an artist talk by Italian sculptor Margherita Serra. Margherita will discuss her exhibit which features reliefs of marble corsets inspired by Matera's sassi, the world-famous ancient limestone cave dwellings in the southern region of Basilicata.

Artist Statement:

Over the last ten years I have devoted most of my energy to the theme of corsets. As a woman, my perspective has helped me to discover that "the corset" may be seen not only as an item of clothing but also as an illuminating metaphor for the body, an absent, mysterious body which is not yet revealed.

In the past, the corset has been a tool of compulsion because it confined the bust with laces, denying freedom and making women suffer in mind and spirit. I am rebelling against these compulsions with open forms where the woman's body is elevated, imagined, and no longer castigated. These works are realized through different techniques and materials, such as foamalite, wood, marble, metal, and pearls.

My exhibition also includes small sculptures in ceramic, formed with the clay from the Italian city of Matera, cooked and painted according to local traditional technique. I feel particularly drawn to Matera as it is the birthplace of my parents. These works embody metaphysical views of the city, and aim to transmit its beauty and complexity.

Margherita Serra. Thursday, March 17th, 6:30 P.M. Italian American Museum - 155 Mulberry Street

(Corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets) - New York, NY 10013

Suggested donation of $10 per person - RSVP Code: FMHB0317. For reservations, please call the Italian American Museum at 212.965.9000, Email: [email protected] or Fax: 347.810.1028

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