New exhibit explores history and politics of Muslim women’s dress codes around the world
MONTREAL – July 26, 2006 – The history and politics of women's clothing in Muslim communities spanning three continents is the focus of a new exhibit that opens Aug. 3 at Montreal’s Downtown YMCA. Dress Codes and Modes: Women’s dress in some Muslim communities and countries explores both the myriad differences and similarities between dress codes and styles in Muslim communities as diverse as Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, South Asia and Turkey.
The exhibition’s 250 images include paintings, drawings and photographs illustrating the wealth of diverse cultures within and across Muslim communities, sharply bringing into question the very notion of a homogenous ‘Muslim world.’ A wealth of historical quotations and original analysis support the images in exploring the experiences of women in these varying regions and historical periods who have been subject to imposed dress codes. But throughout the exhibit, the pictures and text highlight how political control, social status, gender, fashion and personal creativity are just as much responsible for influencing a person’s dress. In doing so, it shatters the notion that there is any single, uniform “Islamic” code of dress for women or men, and raises increasingly relevant questions about the political motivations that continue to give life to such notions.
Created by Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) and sponsored by Rights & Democracy, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women and Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, the travelling exhibit runs in Montreal Aug. 3 to 24 before moving on to Calgary, Winnipeg and Victoria.
An opening night event featuring a presentation by Aisha Shaheed takes place Thursday, Aug. 3, 2006, at 6 PM. The Downtown YMCA is located at 1440 Stanley Street.
For More Information
Please contact Steve Smith (ext 255) or Louis Moubarak (ext 261) at Rights & Democracy, 514-283-6073.
