Book launch – A Shipload of Women’s Memories. Narratives across Borders

22.01.2017 · 11 - 13

Book launch – A Shipload of Women’s Memories. Narratives across Borders

As part of the opening of our new exhibition by Marit Benthe Norheim, we are launching the book A Shipload of Women’s Memories – Narratives across Borders

By Ann-Dorte Christensen and Marit Benthe Norheim, Aalborg University Press, 2017

Host: The Women’s Museum in Denmark in collaboration with Aalborg University Press

Programme
Kl. 11-12.30
Welcome by Merete Ipsen

Presentation of the book – and the meeting between art and research
By Professor Ann-Dorte Christensen, Aalborg University and visual artist Marit Benthe Norheim
With voices from some of the models for the figureheads

12.30-13.30
Lunch (You are welcome to buy lunch in our organic café)

14.00 – 17.00
Opening of Marit Benthe Northeim’s exhibition
MY SHIP IS LOADED WITH MEMORIES and CAMPINGWOMEN

Opening speeches by art historian and figurehead Else Marie Bukdahl
and councillor for Culture Rabih Azad-Ahmad, Aarhus City Council

About the book
The book is based on 18 life stories as told by women over the age of 70 with roots in 27 different countries. Each story is analysed as a unique account of individual experiences with strength, pain and love. The stories are, at the same time, a source of knowledge about major events in society over the past decades where flight, migration and encounters between different cultures have been a condition of life for many.

Visual artist Marit Benthe Norheim’s project, Life-boats, is the framework for this book, which consists of three sailing sculptures that symbolize different stages in women’s lives: Longing – the young about to set out in life; Life – the pregnant in mid-life; Memories – the ageing. It is the third boat and its 19 figureheads that this book is linked to.

The narratives of the figureheads hold the common message – in spite of their differences – to remember the past and to use those experiences to promote openness and tolerance.

This book is based on collaboration between Professor Ann-Dorte Christensen, Aalborg University, and visual artist, Marit Benthe Norheim. Journalist, Marianne Knudsen, has contributed to the research and the interviews. The book is published with support from the Spar Nord Foundation.

The work on which this book is based represents true synergy between creative sociological analyses and sculptural imagination and skill. Each element in itself would be a remarkable contribution. Together, the authors have crafted something remarkable from older women’s life stories and narratives of border crossing and diversity.

Read more about A Shipload of Women’s Memories