Through February 2, 2014, West Michigan has the honor of hosting a thought-provoking first-time exhibition.
“An unheralded Grandmothers’ movement is changing the world.”
Indeed, it is. And thanks to the keen eye, insight, and open heart of Paola Gianturco, the movement is cast forward through her beautiful book and an innovative exhibition at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Paola, herself a grandmother, profiled 120 activist grandmothers in fifteen countries on five continents for Grandmother Power: A Global Phenomenon, in which their stories are shared through interviews and photographs.
These grandmothers are fighting for a better life and better future for grandchildren throughout the world. In a historic first, they’re taking aim at economic, political, and social justice, and making an impact. More grandmothers than ever exist today, and they’re better educated, better off, healthier, and younger than before. They have power. They exude energy and effectiveness. They are teachers to and living lessons for the children around them; they stand firm to promote collaboration, generosity, patience, perseverance, and resilience.
They are changing the world.
Eight stories are told through this exhibition, using visual elements and with Paola’s voice, courtesy of a cellphone-accessible narration:
- Grandmothers End Darkness | India
- Grandmothers Combat Illiteracy | Argentina
- Grandmothers Challenge Unhealthy Traditions | Senegal
- Grandmothers Demand Justice | Philippines
- Grandmothers Pray for Peace and for the Earth | Indigenous Grandmothers
- Grandmothers Raise Children Orphaned by AIDS | South Africa & Swaziland
- Grandmothers Unite | Canada
- Grandmothers Take on Dirty Business | Thailand
Through an interactive Web experience, those visiting Grandmother Power are able to add their grandmothers to the story.
One hundred percent of Paola’s author royalties from Grandmother Power will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, benefitting grandmothers in fifteen African countries raising children orphaned by AIDS.
Grandmother Power is presented by Genesis Inc., a strategic and creative consultancy that designed the exhibition’s seemingly simple, visually powerful display narrative, seating, and collateral. Following its Grand Rapids appearance, Grandmother Power will travel nationally and internationally.
For more information and to learn about related events, visit www.grmuseum.org/grandmotherpower and www.globalgrandmotherpower.com/.
Written by: Amy L Charles is West Michigan Woman magazine's editor.
