Another Version of Feminism
My eldest son just got married! The weeks leading up to the wedding were full of dates of various social gatherings. Starting with the families meeting for dinners on each family’s turf, continuing to the all-women’s Henna party in honor of the bride, finishing off with the bachelor and bachelorette parties.
“Sincerity” (From the 7 blessings Series) – Watercolor and ink on paper, A-5 @Barbara Adler Art 2022,
Private collection
It was somewhat amusing to have a traditional Henna, considering that the wedding was quite unconventional. The official reason for the Henna ceremony was done honoring the bride’s aging grandmother.
The party-ceremony was a meeting of women of all ages, friends and family. An evening of food (of course!) and drink. The guest, upon arrival were swept into a room to change into a traditional caftan (re’ costume). A singer and a musician entertained us while we mingled, ate and drank prior to the ceremony.
The ceremony itself was magical, taken out of a fairy tale. The bride-to-be was accompanied and lead by all participants, holding baskets of sweets and a candle lit bowl of henna held high above the-bride-to-be’s head leading and dancing in a procession to her seat at the front center stage. Flanked on one side by the maternal grandmother and mother and on the other side by the groom’s mother.
Blessings and jewelry were the given to the bride. Then began the ceremony of painting the henna on all participant’s hands followed with singing and dancing around the bride and the bride’s maternal grandmother. It was a form of induction to a new stage in life. The vibe was empowering for all in the room.
Why am I so descriptive of a rather personal family moment?
“Equality” (From the 7 blessings Series) – Watercolor and ink on paper, A-5 @Barbara Adler Art 2022, Private collection
Empowerment.
There is much talk about empowerment. We all need that “little” boast to our self-confidence. Women often are overshadowed by their male counterparts and rightfully wish to have their say and place at the table. As I have previously mentioned in my blog, I often wonder if the empowerment that is requested is that the one most desired or necessary in receiving the desired result of fair-share and respect at that given table. As human beings, regardless of our gender, each have unique characteristics, personality and set of experiences that make up our unique individuality. We should enhance those characteristics, personality and set of experiences. We should bring this unique defining to the table as it is our super power. There is no need for comparison or for self-deprecation.
That is the lesson that I took from the Henna. I left at the end of the evening feeling extremely positive and empowered.
It was always there. We just need to bring it forward. We need to be assertive. We need to be supportive, to “get each other’s back”.
Flattering another’s artwork is a must, just as positive critique. The flattering should be public and the critique, be what it may be, private. As I have said in my last blog (generosity) “There is no “good” or “bad” art… One cannot compare artists or artwork as there is meaningful art for all according to their personality and uniqueness. Be generous and accepting when approaching art.”
Everybody needs art. There is Art for everyone’s state of mind, desires and tastes. Take a break, reflect and delve into some of my art, to my stories.
Flatter me! All the works on this blog are Printable and for sale. They are Barbara Adler originals. I love talking about my art, so feel free to DM to converse and purchase, making it yours.
See more of my art, perhaps find a suitable workshop and read more of my blogs on my website: BAArtworks.com
Follow my process and progress on: Instagram.com/barbara_adler_art
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