Identity
Individuality
Gender - Roles & Cultural Expectations
Autobiography
Body Image
Ethnicity
Immigration, Social Studies
Mythology

A Complex Weave: Women and Identity in Contemporary Art is a traveling exhibition originating at Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts and curated by Martin Rosenberg & J. Susan Isaacs. This teacher's guide was developed to be an accompaniment to the exhibition. An example of each artists work from the show is represented below and within the guide, providing understanding and access for those unable to see the actual exhibition. 

"The artists in this exhibition are young and not so young, painters, sculptors, photographers, of different races, from diverse ethnic and cultural traditions, and all create their work from a complex sense of their identity as human beings, as women,and as artists. Their artworks are autobiographical and personal but also symbolic, allegorical, and historical, encouraging interpretation and appropriation by viewers. The exhibition is divided in five categories: Image and Text; Complex Geographies; The Female Body; Childhood and Family; and The Body and Accessories. This teachers guide will focus on at least one artist from each category and on how through the exploration of the artworks students can come to a greater understanding of identity, autobiography, and art as a means of personal expression. Pick and choose those activities and learning experiences that best suit your class, your grade level, and your curriculum." - from A Complex Weave Teacher's Guide.

Artists in the exhibition are: Blanka Amezkua, Sarah Amos, Helène Aylon, Siona Benjamin, Zoë Charlton, Sonya Clark, Annet Couwenberg, Lalla Essaydi, Judy Gelles, Sharon Harper, Julie Harris, Fujiko Isomura, Tatiana Parcero,   Philemona Williamson, Flo Oy Wong and April Wood. Click on the gray file below to download A Complex Weave Guide.

Zoë Charlton


Bib (pink socks)
2008 Graphite, Gouache, & Acrylic on Paper  60x40"

Sharon Harper

False Start
2006
acrylic, pastel, paper  42x40"

Tatiana Parcero


Fin y principio #3
2008
Acetate & Lambda print
30x30"

Flo Oy Wong


My Mother's Baggage: Lucky Daughter Suitcase
2005 suitcase, mixed media 15x20x6"

The Feminist Art Project gives special thanks to Lynda Hitchman and the Education Department at Rutgers - Camden Center for the Arts, The Stedman Gallery for making these educational materials available for publication here.  Download is subject to Fair Use Laws.