In celebration of Women’s History Month , the powerful exhibition NIMBY takes center stage. The installation was created by artists Iaia Filiberti and Debora Hirsch under the curatorial guidance of Marina Mojana. This poignant showcase sheds light on the forgotten stories of thirteen courageous women from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Through the acronym NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard), the artists illuminate the undying struggles faced by these women. Their battle for human rights and dignity resonate across time.
International Women’s Day and Highlighting NIMBY
International Women’s Day (Festa della Donna) provides a fitting backdrop to highlight NIMBY. Remember their names.
- Josephine Elizabeth Butler
- Frances Power Cobbe
- Lizzy Lind af Hageby
- Rachel Carson
- Mary Harris Jones
- Rose Schneiderman
- Irène Némirovsky
- Bertha von Suttner
- Susan B. Anthony
- Margaret Sanger
- Hellen Keller
- Elizabeth Fry
- Henrietta Lack
These unsung heroines, though initially unfamiliar to many, were formidable warriors against societal injustices.
NIMBY: A Timeless Parallel
NIMBY artfully draws a powerful parallel between the struggles faced by these women in the past and the persistent issues that continue to afflict our world today. The deliberate use of vintage photographs and emotionally charged videos, sourced from international channels and documentaries, emphasizes the enduring relevance of these historical figures to our present struggles. The intense content of the video serves as a stark reminder that the issues they fought against persist in the shadows of our contemporary world.
People got rich off my mother without us even knowin about them takin her cells, now we don’t get a dime.
Deborah Lacks
Hope Amidst Adversity
However, NIMBY is more than a reflection on enduring challenges. It is a call to action and a testament to the prevailing force of hope in the face of adversity. The strength of Filiberti and Hirsch’s work lies in its ability to provoke contemplation and evoke emotion. As we contemplate the struggles of these women, we are reminded that their battles, though ongoing, have paved the way for progress.
International Women’s Day: A Call to Continue the Fight
International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder that the fight for equality, justice, and human rights continues. This battle is fueled by the resilience and determination of women worldwide. NIMBY leaves us with a sense of hope, encouraging us to acknowledge the progress made over the years while inspiring us to actively contribute to the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable world.
The worker must have bread, but she must have roses too.
Rose Schneiderman, President of the Women’s Trade Union (1918 – 1928)
Honoring the Legacy
In conclusion, NIMBY urges us to honor the legacy of these unsung heroines, recognizing that their stories are not confined to the pages of history but continue to shape our collective journey towards a brighter future.
Discover more about NIMBY and the artists, Iaia Filiberti and Debora Hirsch
Having met these visionary artists in December 2023 at the Untitled Art Fair in Miami Beach, their unique presentation of miniature art within the Il Chiostro Arte Contemporanea gallery booth made a profound statement, drawing viewers into the heart of their artistic expression. Filiberti and Hirsch’s collaboration on NIMBY reflects their commitment to unraveling hidden truths and fostering a dialogue that transcends both time and space.
Revisiting our meeting, it was exciting to learn more about their artistic journey and contribution to the ongoing narrative of women’s struggles for justice and equality.
Iaia Filiberti
Iaia was born in Milan where she lives and works. She graduated in law from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and studied Fine Arts in Brussels. She uses video, photography, installation and writing to focus attention on the past as opposed to the contemporary. Her drawing is dear to her above all thanks to the ironic and biting character of Pepita.
www.iaiafiliberti.it | @iaiafiliberti
Debora Hirsch
Debora was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She graduated in Industrial Engineering from the Polytechnic University of São Paulo, Master in Business Administration from SDA Bocconi. She uses video, painting, photography, and installation to develop her research which deals with time and memory, communication and language, digital technology and the transformation of man and society.
Debora met her husband, who is from Milan, while in Chicago, so it was love (as she explained) that brought her to Italy. She has now lived there for more than twenty years, although not consecutively.
Debora and Iaia met at a public art group show that we were both participating in. Iaia was presenting an artwork at the Milanese trams and Debora was presenting an artwork at Galleria Vittoria Emanuele, inside Rizzoli.
www.deborahirsch.com @deborahirsch
Learn more about NIMBY
www.ilchiostroarte.it | @ilchiostroartecontemporanea
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