Gouda Susanna: From Medieval Allegory to #MeToo Resonances “.05/10/24 Gouda Susanna – Van middeleeuwen tot MeToo” is a contemporary art exhibition that explores the enduring legacy of the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders through the lens of modern-day feminism and the #MeToo movement. The Biblical Narrative The story of Susanna appears in the deuterocanonical Book of Daniel and recounts how the virtuous Susanna is falsely accused of adultery by two elders. Daniel, through his wisdom, uncovers the truth and exonerates Susanna. Medieval Depictions Throughout the Middle Ages, Susanna’s story was frequently depicted in art, primarily as a moralizing allegory against false accusations and the dangers of lust. Artists such as Rembrandt and Artemisia Gentileschi portrayed Susanna as a symbol of innocence and chastity. Contemporary Interpretations In the #MeToo era, the story of Susanna resonates with new urgency. The exhibition features works by contemporary artists who re-examine the narrative in light of modern-day experiences of sexual harassment and abuse. Challenging Traditional Perspectives Artists such as Kiki Smith and Jenny Saville confront traditional depictions of Susanna as a passive victim. Their works focus on the power dynamics at play and the psychological and physical trauma experienced by survivors. Amplifying Women’s Voices The exhibition gives voice to survivors of sexual violence and challenges the silencing of their stories. Artists like Carrie Mae Weems and Zanele Muholi create powerful images that spotlight the resilience and agency of women speaking out against injustice. Provoking Dialogue By juxtaposing medieval and contemporary interpretations of the Susanna story, the exhibition prompts viewers to reflect on the historical and ongoing struggle against sexual misconduct. It challenges viewers to reconsider traditional narratives and confront the ongoing challenges faced by women and survivors. Conclusion “.05/10/24 Gouda Susanna – Van middeleeuwen tot MeToo” is a timely and provocative exhibition that uses art to explore the enduring relevance of the biblical story of Susanna. Through the works of contemporary artists, it amplifies women’s voices, challenges traditional narratives, and stimulates dialogue on the urgent issue of sexual harassment and violence.Susanna: Van Bijbelse Heroïne tot Hedendaags Kunstsymbool
Susanna: Van Bijbelse Heroïne tot Hedendaags Kunstsymbool In de eeuwenoude legende van Susanna en de oudsten worden twee machtige mannen afgebeeld die een badende Susanna proberen te chanteren. Wanneer zij hun avances afwijst, dreigen ze haar vals te beschuldigen van ontrouw. Susanna weigert en wordt voor de rechter gebracht, maar de tussenkomst van Daniël voorkomt haar veroordeling. Ondanks het voorkomen van dit verhaal in heilige teksten als de Bijbel, de Thora en Duizend-en-een-nacht, is het relatief onbekend. Susanna’s roem is voornamelijk te danken aan de kunstgeschiedenis. Het Framen van Susanna In de tentoonstelling “Susanna: Van Bijbelse Heroïne tot Hedendaags Kunstsymbool” nemen tientallen uitzonderlijke schilderijen, tekeningen en objecten de bezoeker mee in de interpretatie en toe-eigening van het Susanna-verhaal door de kunstgeschiedenis. Van Rembrandts meesterproef tot Gentileschi’s krachtige interpretatie verkennen kunstenaars het verhaal vanuit verschillende perspectieven. Susanna wordt afwisselend afgebeeld als een vrome heilige, een weerbare vrouw of een schreeuwend slachtoffer. Verschillende Perspectieven De tentoonstelling nodigt bezoekers uit om de verschillende perspectieven op het Susanna-verhaal te overwegen. Door de ogen van Susanna, de oudsten en de toeschouwers onderzoeken we de rollen van gender, macht en voyeurisme. Nieuw Kunstwerk Speciaal voor de tentoonstelling creëerde eigentijdse kunstenaar Susanna Inglada een nieuwe animatie waarin zij het verhaal van Susanna vertelt in haar kenmerkende beeldtaal. Praktische Informatie De tentoonstelling wordt mede mogelijk gemaakt door het Mondriaan Fonds, het Cultuurfonds en Gemeente Gouda. Voor kaartjes en meer informatie, bezoek welkomingouda.nl.
Museum Gouda Presents “Susanna: From the Middle Ages to #MeToo” Gouda – In a captivating new exhibition, Museum Gouda explores the enduring relevance and cultural impact of the biblical story of Susanna. Opening on 05/10/24, “Gouda Susanna: From the Middle Ages to #MeToo” delves into the multifaceted interpretations of Susanna’s story through the lens of art, theology, and contemporary social issues. At the heart of the exhibition lies the famous painting by Jan Mostaert, “Susanna and the Elders” (1529), which depicts Susanna as a virtuous woman falsely accused of adultery by two lecherous elders. The painting has long captivated viewers with its intricate details and poignant portrayal of Susanna’s ordeal. However, the exhibition goes beyond the traditional portrayal of Susanna as a victim of sexual assault. It examines how artists and theologians over the centuries have used the story to address broader themes of power, consent, and women’s agency. “Susanna’s story resonates deeply with our contemporary world, where issues of sexual harassment and consent remain prevalent,” said curator Dr. Marieke van Delft. “This exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the ways in which Susanna’s experience continues to shape our understanding of gender, justice, and the power of women’s voices.” The exhibition includes a range of works from the Middle Ages to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and mixed media installations. Through these diverse perspectives, visitors can trace the evolution of Susanna’s story and its ongoing relevance to societal debates. “Gouda Susanna: From the Middle Ages to #MeToo” is a timely and thought-provoking exhibition that challenges traditional narratives and encourages a nuanced understanding of one of the most enduring stories in cultural history.
