Shimer hosts African tapestries that tell the story of the universe

Shimer will host an exhibit of 31 tapestries, which tell the story of the universe, during the month of May. This is the first time the exhibit, titled “The Cosmic Walk,” has been displayed in Chicago, according to Shimer faculty member James Donovan, who arranged for it to come to Shimer.

“The Cosmic Walk” was produced by the The Kopanang Women's Group of Geluksdal, South Africa, who created the 31 embroidered textiles in conjunction with World AIDS Day 2002. The works depict the both the story and the mystery of creation in strong simplicity and energy.  "The story they tell is very accurate, very close to the standard scientific view from the big bang through the emergence of humans and civilization," said Dr. Donovan.  "At the same time, they successfully express the transcendent and spiritual side of creation in a way that their African culture understands." 

The women of Kopanang, a South African town ravaged by poverty, unemployment and AIDS, were organized and trained for the project by a Catholic nun, Sister Sheila Flynn, of Faithful Fools Street Ministry, which is based in San Francisco. Admission to the exhibit is free. Hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tapestries can be viewed at: http://www.faithfulfools.org/kopanang_gallery_1.htm