'Sisu: A Female Exhibition' Opens at Arcade March 10

The Arcade Contemporary Art Projects Gallery at Webster University’s Gateway Campus will host the opening reception of "Sisu: A Female Exhibition, on Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m.

The exhibit is being curated by members of the 2018 BFA senior class in the Department of Art, Design and Art History (DADAH), part of Webster University's Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. Participating artists include current Webster students, alumna and faculty.

This exhibition, held during Women's History Month, intends to sparks questions and action.

What is sisu?

Sisu is a cultural philosophy of Finland that can’t be directly translated into English. In short, sisu is a defining characteristic meaning extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.

This simple translation hardly describes the true essence of sisu, because it goes well beyond hard work and determination. Sisu is action against action. Sisu is sticking to one’s beliefs and guts despite the odds stacked against them. Sisu is sustaining long-term courage and doing what must be done will be done, regardless of cost.

Why sisu?

Although sisu is a Finnish ideal, it is still relevant to people all around the world. This term is especially fitting for the modern woman. Women face adversity every single day, just by being a woman, but continuously fight to have their voices heard. They are strong, powerful creatures that can, and will, handle anything that life throws at them.

Why these women?

The women in this exhibition are sisters, mothers, lovers and daughters who have discovered sisu. They have all understood what it means to be a woman in today’s society and what it is like to constantly overcome the trials and tribulations that come along with being a woman. These sixteen women can tell you their stories of heartbreak and sacrifice, but also of triumph and success. They are determined to communicate this idea of sisu through the female lens and to leave an impact on the world.

Why now?

March is Women’s History Month, and though it is not the only time we should discuss women, it is a time that we are more likely to be heard. The issues women face are not new, they have been there all along, from the first waves of feminism to today’s intersectional feminism. If we don’t talk about this now, then when?

Why are we telling you?

The entire purpose of sisu is communicating the struggle women live through and how they persevere and prevail. This exhibition is part of a much larger conversation, but we hope that it sparks questions and action. We should look at one another with compassion. Be mindful of the women and men you pass on the street and listen to their stories, because everyone has one.

Visit the Sisu Facebook page for more information.