Group textile exhibit, Résistance. Grown/dried installation, Galerie Diagonale, Montréal, Qc., March 2007.
Résistance was part of a series of works that revolved around my research on the Roerich symbol, which took place from about 2006-2009. The symbol was grown onto two tapestries that were displayed within a group show that featured textile art responding to the topic of resistance.
The Roerich Symbol*, named after Nicolas Roerich, is the cultural equivalent of the Red Cross. Recognized internationally in 1935, it was a symbol to protect cultural monuments and artifacts in times of war. It designates areas as safe from destruction and means ‘no bombing’. The three centre circles are said to represent Art, Science and Religion, but have links dating back to Neolithic times.
*An inter-American treaty on the Protection of Artistic and Scientific Institutions and Historic Monuments. The most important idea of the Roerich Pact is the legal recognition that the defense of cultural objects is more important than military defense, and the protection of culture always has precedence over any military necessity.