It’s the woman who’s responsible for all the evil in the world.
That’s what the Bible says.
That’s what Greek texts read.
And, if you turn on the news today, you’ll find the same theme over and over.
The guilt laid at the feet of women — as found in the Old Testament to modern-day wartime — the subject of a new art exhibit that opens at Coquitlam’s Place des Arts on Friday.
Coquitlam resident Zeid Founouni presents about 15 pieces in Blame Eve! Migrations of the Female Soul, the signature exhibit for Festival du Bois — Maillardville’s annual fete that runs March 3 to 5.
A native of Beirut, Lebanon, Founouni was invited last year to show his paintings and mixed media by Johanne Dumas, executive and artistic director of Société francophone de Maillardville/Festival du Bois.
“I’m very vocal about women’s rights,” said Founouni, who has his master’s degree in philosophy and is an auxiliary constable with Coquitlam RCMP. “I have studied that, no matter what religion, the women are to blame for things going wrong. It is them who are accused of the fall from grace and our society today is shaped by these archaic texts. It’s ingrained.”
Rather than dwelling on the negative stereotypes, Founouni presents his women in a new light. His Syrian woman appears with gold leaf around her head and as a Madonna holding a child.
In another painting, titled The Lady of Lvov, he takes an image of a Jewish woman beaten and raped in the streets during the Second World War and covers her with a shawl; she is also surrounded by gold. “Women are usually considered trophies in war,” he said. “The original picture from 1942 has her at the side of the street, wearing only shoes and covering her breasts. There is a fear in her eyes. I wanted to give her some dignity.”
With the help of Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart and his wife, and Coun. Teri Towner, Founouni also created a large fabric quilt to depict the many colours of Canadian faces. The piece is in honour of the country’s 150 year in 2017, he said.
• Zeid Founouni’s Blame Eve!: Migrations of the Female Soul runs until March 17 in the Atrium Gallery at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). The opening reception is Feb. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
