![Welcome to America (detail)](https://sites.miamioh.edu/visualarts/files/2016/12/Welcome-to-America-detail-1.jpg)
MCKIE GALLERY | AUG 30–DEC 17, 2016
JASON E. SHAIMAN, CURATOR OF EXHIBITIONS & FRANCES CONNOLLY (‘16), CURATORIAL INTERN
As a first-generation American, New York artist Carol Hamoy grappled with the clash of old-world traditions instilled by her parents and her progressive ideals that support increased opportunities for women. This challenge ultimately led Hamoy to develop Welcome to America, a body of work that documents the difficult journeys made by many women who courageously departed their homelands in search of freedom and opportunity.
![Welcome to America (detail)](http://sites.miamioh.edu/visualarts/files/2016/12/Welcome-to-America-detail-1-300x228.jpg)
Welcome to America not only documents women venturing forth in support of themselves and their families, but also provides a vehicle through which Hamoy feels she is able to help women tell their stories of struggles and triumphs. Hamoy recognized that so many women never had, nor were given, a chance to express themselves.
Hamoy’s “dresses” are works of art, never intended to be worn. The 150 garments, roughly 70 of which are on display, stitched together from an assortment of materials, are the canvas she uses to tell 200 stories gleaned from interviews she conducted over several years. On the front of each dress, and some on the reverse side, Hamoy applies the name, year of arrival, place of origin and a brief quote about the woman that captures the essence of her immigration experience and her life in America. The narratives illustrate a universal experience despite differences in economic status and ethnicity.
RELATED PROGRAMMING AND LECTURES
Documentary Film: Vanishing Borders (2014), 90 mins.
WED, SEPT 21 | 7 PM | ARMSTRONG STUDENT CENTER, HARRY WILKS THEATRE
FILMMAKER, ALEXANDRA HIDALGO
Join filmmaker Alexandra Hidalgo who will introduce her film Vanishing Borders. The documentary tells the story of four immigrant women living in New York City, who through their work, relationships, and activism are transforming not only their lives but also the lives of those around them. The film places a human, female face on the often abstract issue of immigration, inviting audiences to experience the profound happiness, pain, and sense of discovery that comes from leaving one’s home behind and settling in a new country. A discussion will follow the viewing of the film. Co-sponsored by the Art Museum Student Organization (AMSO), Department of Media, Journalism & Film, Department of Political Science and the Center for American & World Cultures
The Complications of Making Art from a Feminist Perspective
THU, OCT 6 | 5:30–6:45 PM | ART MUSEUM AUDITORIUM
ARTIST CAROL HAMOY
This New York artist will address the issues of one’s past history and how it might impact what is created. Additional attention is given to problems of being an artist in today’s world. Co-sponsored by the Contemporary Art Forum
History with Things
TUE, NOV 8 | 6–7 PM (RECEPTION 5 PM) | ART MUSEUM AUDITORIUM
HELEN SHEUMAKER, PHD, LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
Things—the material objects of everyday life—are historical records. We like looking at objects—they are familiar, real in a way only material things can be. Objects from the past can make us more aware of the struggles, challenges, and joys of people who came before us. But objects can’t tell a story on their own.
A Conversation: Welcome to America
WED, NOV 16 | 7–8 PM (RECEPTION 6 PM) | ART MUSEUM AUDITORIUM
Join us for a candid and informative conversation highlighting the challenges and joys of four women moving to America from countries around the world. The panelists will include Esther Berlioz Claros, from Honduras; Regina Garcia, from Brazil; Silvia Rothschild, from Argentina; and Lalita Satyal, from India.