(Mis)Interpretation: Sikh Feminisms in representations, texts and lived realities
Sikh Feminist Ethnographic exhibit at the University of the Fraser Valley
Abbotsford, BC
Sept 29 – October 30, 2015
UFV S'eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery
You are invited to a critical Sikh feminist ethnographic exhibition curated by the Centre for Indo Canadian Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. The exhibit is created in partnership with the Visual Arts Department and the International Department and officially opens on September 29th at 5 pm at the S'eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery Building B Room 136 Abbotsford campus. The exhibit is entitled - (Mis)Interpretation: Sikh Feminisms in representations, texts and lived realities.
The goal of this exhibit is to de-centre the notion of a normatively androcentric faith discourse and to (re)raise the textual and practical meaning of Sikh feminist thought and understanding.
The exhibit looks at how the Sikh spiritual text, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is to be understood and interpreted individually by all practicing Sikhs, guided by the rehat (the code), historical texts, various interpretations, contemporary views and personal sense-making (via spiritual learning and lived realities).
As well, in this exhibit Sikh women see themselves not just as interlocutors but as vital meaning makers of the faith, its various interpretations and its inherent impact on their lives by way of the 5 Kakkar’s – Sikh articles of faith where the ethical Khalsa is imbued with gender neutral/supportive personal agency. As well Sikh women’s daily engagement and access to the living world is explored through photographs taken by eight Sikh women. The meaning of Ikk Oan Kar and its universal appeal is reconnoitered and the textual interpretation of the Sri Guru Granth through a female lens is surveyed.
Leading feminist scholar Dr. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh of Colby College, USA will give the keynote speaker, bringing voice, praxis, understanding and sense-making. The daily representation of a diasporic reality that is feminine consciousness personified is explored through a short documentary.
Everyone is welcome, doors open at 5 pm and welcome refreshments will be served.
For more information please contact [email protected] or 604-851-6325