'Becoming a Woman' commences with art exhibition

Eastern’s Art Gallery kicked off the “Becoming a Woman: Reflections Around Annie Ernaux" series with a curation of pieces inspired by the life of French Nobel Laureate Annie Ernaux. The exhibition opened on Oct. 9 in the Fine Arts Instructional Center and will run until Nov. 28. 

Art Gallery Director Julia Wintner described the exhibition as a timely and powerful collection that prompts its viewers to confront the evolving narratives of identity, memory, and womanhood.  

“In a moment when personal histories are increasingly politicized, this collaborative project brings together voices across disciplines to honor Ernaux’s radical honesty,” said Wintner. “It is a testament to the transformative power of art and dialogue and a reminder that reflection is a form of resistance.” 

According to French and women’s studies Professor Michele Bacholle, the exhibition’s title -- "Becoming a Woman" -- came from a quote by French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir, a female rights activist who penned the book “The Second Sex.”  

The mastermind behind the project and one of the world’s leading experts on Ernaux’s literature, Bacholle explained that Ernaux’s legacy is marked by issues pertaining to women that Ernaux herself experienced, including breast cancer, an illegal abortion, being a victim of a non-consensual sexual experience, dating a much younger man, and suffering from an eating disorder. 

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cheryl Wilson contributed opening remarks to the exhibition reception, explaining how the interdisciplinary art styles and broad topics covered complement Eastern’s mission to raise social responsibility. 

“‘Becoming a Woman’ embodies the public liberal arts mission of Eastern,” she said. “Exhibitions like this are public manifestations of this interdisciplinary commitment and the amazing work that came up with faculty and students in different disciplines.” 

Dean of Arts and Sciences Emily Todd reflected on her own journey growing up with female friends and had the audience consider in existential detail what it means to be a woman. 

“Over the years, my female friends have supported me, helped me learn to become more confident, and even guided me as I learned to become a leader,” said Todd. “[Wintner’s] expertise in sharing this exhibition is intended to encourage contemplation of the complexities of what it means to be a woman.” 

Ann Weathersby, one of the gallery’s contributing artists from New York, donated works using glass and cutouts from old, thrifted books she collects. Her work centers heavily around navigating what it means to be a woman while reflecting on her experience growing up in America’s deep South.

“I was expected to be a well-kept caretaker, to be mannered yet fierce, simultaneously virtuous and sexual,” said Weathersby. “Glass is a material ... hard yet delicate, sometimes transparent, but often frustratingly opaque, and serves as an apt metaphor for a particular feminized fragility.”

In addition to the art exhibition, upcoming "Becoming a Woman" events include:

Feature Film Screenings

Two international films will be presented in Webb Hall 110:

• Oct. 15 at 4 p.m.: "Four Daughters" (2023), an award-winning Arabic-language documentary (English subtitles) by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania. The film examines womanhood in a conservative patriarchal society through the story of a mother and her four daughters. Following the screening, Nicole Krassas, professor of political science, will lead a discussion.
• Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.: "Girlhood" (2014), a French-language film (English subtitles) by Celine Sciamma, explores adolescence and identity in contemporary France. A discussion led by Bacholle will follow.

Documentary Premiere and Panel Discussion

• Oct. 23 at 4:45 p.m.: The original documentary "Voices of Women at Eastern" will premiere in the Student Center Theater. Co-produced by Bacholle and Brian Day, professor of directing and film, the documentary captures the voices and perspectives of women in the Eastern community. A panel discussion featuring Eastern professors, administrators, and students will follow

Visiting Artist Talk

• Oct. 27 at 4 p.m.: Local artist Blanche Serban will present "The Practice of Painting" in the FAIC Art Gallery. The event, organized in collaboration with Afarin Rahmanifar, professor of art and art history, and Julia Wintner, will include a discussion of Serban's work "The Abortionist's Studio," inspired by Ernaux's seminal text "Happening." A Q&A session will follow.

Theatrical Reading of "Happening"

• Nov. 14 from 7-9 p.m.: A performance reading of Ernaux's "Happening" (2000), adapted and co-directed by Bacholle and Zoe Calhoun '25, will be staged in the FAIC Delmonte Bernstein Studio Theater. The theatrical adaptation brings to life Ernaux's intimate account of a college student's illegal abortion in 1960s France.