On Sat, Nov 16, I gave a talk at the Folger Library highlighting conceptual and technical aspects essential to successfully translating Shakespeare through art. My focus was the minor character, Mistress Overdone, in Shakespeare's play Measure For Measure.
This is a page from Flowers For Mistress Overdone, the first of two books that I discussed and presented at the Folger Shakespeare Library on Nov 16. The pages are created with textiles from 5 continents (Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America). The textiles are collaged and sewn into various designs.
This is the embroidered cover of the second book, inspired by Shakespeare' Measure For Measure, that I created during my fellowship at the Folger Library. I discussed and presented it, along with a few other original works during my talk on Nov 16.
My goal in creating this series of artworks and embroidered textile books, Coded Thread: Translating Shakespeare Through Art, Flowers For Mistress Overdone, was to explore the character of Mistress Overdone in Shakespeare's play Measure For Measure. With just 15 lines, in a rather long play, it was a very welcome challenge to offer a compelling artistic translation of Shakespeare's vision.
Suzanne Coley giving a talk, Coded Threads: Translating Shakespeare Through Art, at Folger Shakespeare Library's Reading Room on Sat, Nov 16 at 2pm.
