An artistic view of Women's Day

 

By Beatriz Fiore

ROME, March 11 – Women artists commemorated the centenary of International Women’s Day last weekend presenting a collection of modern works in Rome's Cortese&Lisanti art gallery.

The exhibition “Donne D’arte.Freedom”, open from March 8-23, offers a range of both solemn and colourful pieces by contemporary women artists.

“It seems, and not only to us, that female artists in general have always been neglected and underestimated,” says gallery owner Massimo Lisanti. “We have chosen a theme which enables us to celebrate these artists in many ways: freedom. The diverse techniques, modes of expression and even the arrangement of the exhibition give the idea of freedom.”

 

  Fifteen works of art decorate the small but pleasant gallery (pictured at right). The paintings and sculptures portray different versions of freedom: joyous and vibrant pictures stand out with their vivid colors.  Other artists pessimistically prefer to depict an imprisoned and more elusive expression of freedom.

“It’s an alternative way to celebrate women’s achievements,” says Emiliano Bruschetti , a young Italian visiting the exhibition. “Here in Italy, we usually associate International Women’s Day to husbands buying flowers to their wives or women going out to clubs for the night. I had never considered the more interesting cultural and social aspect to it.”

Bruschetti complains that this important date has become a commercial festivity, like Valentine’s Day and that people aren’t reminded of its history. “Women have accomplished a great deal,” he adds, “but in days like this we have to remember that society still has a long way to go. In fact I would have liked to see more young people in the opening of this exhibition.”

March 8 has now been celebrated for a century all over the world and traditions vary from country to country. In Italy, women often receive yellow mimosas as a gift from men, a tradition which dates back to the first post-war International Woman’s Day in 1946. Demonstrations are also organized by various political parties, and all cultural events are free of charge for women on this date, though parties, clubs and restaurants are much preferred by Italian females.