Women's Studies Research Center

Wendy Wolfe Fine

The Pearl that Slipped its Shell

February 24 - April 5, 2016

Hadassah-Brandeis Institute Artist-in-Residence and Exhibition

Post card for Wendy Wolfe Fine's exhibit titled "The Pearl That Slipped its Shell." The card contains 3 rows of 4 images. In between the rows of images is the text: “The Pearl That slipped its Shell. Wendy Wolfe Fine. Kniznick Gallery. Aril 6 - June 24, 2016.” Pictures in the top row from left to right: a dish containing dried apricots, with a painting behind it; a table setting with a bowl of olives, a hard boiled egg, 2 other small dishes, a glass and a blue wine glass. The foods are set on an elaborate white napkin atop a Persian rug; A photo of a coastline with clouds at sunset; A sliver of an image of a woman’s arm squeezing a lemon on a blue citrus juicer. Row 2, left to right: an image of fall trees with a strip of words, not all of them visible, saying: …”tinue to burn and the trees co…”; Two mirrors on an Oriental rug. Reflected in the larger mirror are 2 eggs in egg cups and a small china dish containing a brown dip; A dish with roccoli and pita bread with a serving dish containing a baked dish resembling a frittata set on pita bread. Row 3: an image of tropical trees with portions of words that read: “...ley salute. ...announces a cessat…” A dish containing a tomato onion, pepper, corn salad; A picture of a clothesline with 2 pictures hanging by clothespins. The pictures depict an Iranian elder and a map; a photo on the clothesline of a young boy standing in front of bricks and a portion of a photo with a brown landscape.

The Pearl that Slipped Its Shell relays the experiences of Jewish women in Iran as a result of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, specifically those of the Mizrahi family, who immigrated to the United States and carry on Iranian Jewish traditions. Fine’s immersive installation incorporates video, photography and cultural objects to re-envision transformation and loss in the personal freedoms and cultural lives of Iranian Jewish women after the Revolution, when their country shifted from a secular state to a theocracy of Islamic fundamentalism.

Wendy Wolfe Fine, installation view of The Pearl that Slipped Its Shell, Kniznick Gallery, 2016. Photo shows a large wooden planting container with small green plants growing and grow lights. On the window sill are more flower pots. On the far wall is a pattern of tree leaves painted directly on the wall. Next to it is the 27 strand History bead curtain created with community participation. There is a computer screen with headphones affixed to the wall.Wendy Wolfe Fine, installation view of The Pearl that Slipped Its Shell, Kniznick Gallery, 2016

Events

Beaded "History" Curtain Workshop

March 16, 2016

Work with HBI Resident Artist Wendy Wolfe Fine to create a curtain to be used in her exhibition "The Pearl that Slipped Its Shell." Using gemstones, copper and walnut wood, natural resources native to Iran, participants will work towards creating 27 strands representative of 2700 years of Iranian Jewish history. This event is free and open to the public, and people are welcome to drop in at any time during the workshop.

Artist's Talk

March 23, 2016

Wendy Wolfe Fine will talk about her artistic process and her residency at the Kniznick Gallery. She will also speak about her upcoming exhibition, "The Pearl that Slipped Its Shell."

Opening Reception

April 6, 2016

Lecture | Zohreh Mizrahi : Shifts in Power and the Future of the Women’s Movement in the Middle East

April 11, 2016

Immigration attorney and human rights advocate Zohreh Mizrahi will speak about the history of women’s rights in the Middle East and how the rise of extremism there has impacted women’s lives. Mizrahi’s hands-on familiarity with the Middle-Eastern cultures, languages and history has contributed to her successful representation of many individuals before U.S. governmental agencies. She has a BA from the University of Massachusetts Boston, as well as a JD from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Our guest lecturer has a personal connection to Wendy Wolfe Fine’s exhibition.

Workshop | Kuku Sabzi: A Symbolic Food for the Persian New Year

April 17, 2016

Join Wendy Wolfe Fine and Kermani native Sharona Mizrahi for a workshop on how to make Kuku Sabzi, a Persian herb omelet. Kuku Sabzi is a traditional dish eaten during the springtime celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a holiday that incorporates many symbolic foods and objects. In this dish, herbs symbolize rebirth, and eggs represent fertility and happiness for the coming year. Mizrahi will share stories of her childhood in Iran as we taste and share the traditional Persian dish. This event is free and open to the public, all materials provided.