Unveiling The Goddess is a solo exhibition by Svetlana Swinimer about the prehistoric beliefs and traditions of the Slavic Goddess Makosh. The exhibition explores times when nature and the cosmos were everyday parts of human existence. The word Makosh is derived from mokr-(wet), which is a characteristic of fertile earth. The name Makosh evolved from two words: ma- (Mother), and kosh (lot, fate). Therefore, the name Makosh can be translated as Mother of Destiny; she is the giver and taker of life. Many European cultures claim Makosh as their own.
As the Goddess of weaving, Makosh watched over and protected women as they worked at their looms. Images and ideas about Makosh were kept alive for centuries through needlework on domestic textiles. Along with her academic research, Swinimer was inspired by images and symbols of Makosh embroidered on table clothes, napkins and towels. Women wove linens decorated with Makosh to bring good luck, health and prosperity for the families who used them. Swinimers’ use of raw linen, sackcloth, burlap, red oak and pigments harken back to those materials.
In this time of extreme climate change and pandemic, calling upon a Goddess/Mother is comforting, powerful and hopeful. We are grateful to Swinimer for bringing Makosh to us. Make an appointment for a private tour at Gallery 101 between October 9th and November 7th 2020 - we will be holding space for the divine feminine.
Visit
The gallery is oopen by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for the exhibition.
Email director@g101.ca to make your appointment.
Artist Bio
Svetlana Swinimer was born in Omsk, Siberia, USSR; (now known as Russia); and immigrated to Canada in 1975. For over forty years, her artistic practice has drawn upon the intersection of science and humanity through sculpture, installation, painting, video, digital photography and artistic collaboration. Swinimer’s background in mathematics helps her create art based on investigative scientific phenomena.
Exhibition Essays
Unveiling the Goddess by Anna Paluch