What's Happening?
Jessica Mallios has created an art exhibit titled 'Signaling Light' that pays tribute to women lighthouse keepers. The exhibit, displayed at Women & Their Work, features a combination of mediums including
a three-channel video piece, charcoal rubbings, and archival documents. The video includes interviews with women lighthouse keepers and their descendants, highlighting the gendered connection between the keepers and their work. The charcoal rubbings, displayed in glassless frames, capture the spiral stair treads of lighthouses, while gelatin prints offer a white-on-black rendition of these rubbings. The exhibit aims to preserve the legacy of these women, who often faced discrimination and underestimation in a male-dominated field.
Why It's Important?
The exhibit sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in maintaining lighthouses, a role traditionally dominated by men. By highlighting their stories and struggles, the exhibit not only preserves their legacy but also challenges gender norms and stereotypes. This recognition is significant in promoting gender equality and acknowledging the diverse roles women have played in history. The exhibit also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical narratives that might otherwise be forgotten, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of gender, labor, and history.
