The exhibition showcase 81 fiberworks by women artists exploring the theme of unity and social change
The Contemporary Art Modern Project (The CAMP Gallery) has currently on view the annual fiber exhibition, 77 Women Pulling at The Threads of Social Discourse, FAMA and Guests: We Got The Power. The exhibition is curated by gallery founder and director, Melanie Prapopoulos, and assistant director Maria Gabriela Di Giammarco. Open since October 11, 2024, the sixth edition of this exhibition series draws inspiration from Lysistrata by Aristophanes, and Spike Lee's response to organized violence in Chi-Raq. More than 100 pieces were made for the open call, all touching on themes of violence, war, sexual power, the patriarchy, and the power of women. These artworks will be installed as a continuous frieze throughout the gallery space, up until the end of the year.
Lysistrata, may not be inherently feminist, but has been adapted and reinterpreted in modern contexts to reflect women's struggles for equality, including notable productions supporting the suffragist movements in London (1910) and the U.S. (1914). In this exhibition, the artists reflect their interpretation, emphasizing how unity among women has historically been a force for change. The fiber works on display create a tactile response to the themes of oppression, empowerment, and collective action. Through the use of textiles—a medium historically associated with domestic labor and "women’s work"—the exhibition challenges traditional gender roles and elevates these materials as powerful tools for political expression. The artworks show the strength of women, much like Lysistrata has evolved to serve different feminist purposes across time.
Spike Lee’s *Chi-Raq*, a modern take on Aristophanes’ play, highlights the urgency of the fight against systemic violence in contemporary society. The 81 artists bring their voices into this conversation, addressing issues ranging from political turmoil and environmental crises to sexual power dynamics and warfare. Their woven, stitched, and crafted works invite viewers to walk through a gallery space transformed into a frieze of protest and solidarity, reminding us that meaningful change often comes through collective action and unity. As the United States approaches another presidential election, the exhibition aims to show an essential lesson from history: to fight individual struggles, collective effort is key. The fiber artists on view have used their talents to create a powerful visual commentary on social issues, offering not only a critique but also a celebration of the potential for transformation through unity and that women truly have the power.
A highlight of the exhibition is “Thong of Peace”, a collaborative project by Alina Rodriguez Rojo. This installation transforms thongs, traditionally linked to femininity and sexuality, into banners of resistance, reimagining them as symbols of freedom, justice, and bodily autonomy. Inspired by Lysistrata, where sexual abstinence is used as protest, the project engages with the historical and ongoing fight for women’s control over their bodies. Rodriguez Rojo explains, “*Thong of Peace* echoes the voices of women from history and today, who continue to fight for these fundamental rights.” Through this piece, the artists address reproductive justice, gender inequality, and the enduring battle for bodily autonomy.