Join the Ladies Who Lit for a discussion of Barbara Bourland's The Force of Such Beauty at the the Driehaus Museum on the occasion of its current exhibition "Sif Itona Westerberg: Twin Flame, Double Ruin." Curator Stephanie Cristello will be present to lead us through the exhibition on a private tour. The evening will also include a guided tour of the museum itself, which is housed in the Nickerson Mansion, built in 1883 at the height of the Gilded Age.
"Sif Itona Westerberg: Twin Flame, Double Ruin" takes inspiration from the Ancient Greek myth of soulmates—a single body that was divided into two parts, fated to forever yearn and search for its reflection. The exhibition title borrows terminology from concepts of interpersonal connection, a ‘twin flame’ often described in modern psychology as akin to soulmates. Westerberg contrasts ideals of creation and metamorphoses with the idea of ‘ruin,’ a double entendre in reference to either disaster, or the remnants of Classical artifacts.
The exhibit and its themes will provide the perfect backdrop for our discussion of The Force of Such Beauty, a contemporary twist on the royal fairytale trope. Set in a fictional European sovereign state following the end of apartheid in South Africa, The Force of Such Beauty tells the story of Caroline, an Olympian athlete that must confront her own "twin flame" following a career-ending injury, and the resultant path of romantic ruin it leads her down...straight to her own gilded cage. It's feminist, evocative, searing, and inspired by the true life stories of rebel princesses including Princess Charlene of Monaco and Princess Diana.
Important Note: This program will be held IN PERSON in the Driehaus Museum. Construction is underway at the Museum, and the elevator will not be available during this time. Guests will need to use the staircase to access the program.
Should you require assistance with ticket purchase or have any questions, please contact us at info@driehausmuseum.org.