Sonnet: Death Valley
Rima Canaan Lee
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (August 3, 2022) – The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome the new exhibition Sonnet: Death Valley by Rima Canaan Lee. The exhibition will be on view in the Anne Marion Gallery from August 18th until October 2nd.
In January 2020, on the eve of the COVID pandemic, Lee photographed Death Valley and started putting together her show “For me, Death Valley is an icon that in its sublimity, vast expanse, and deadly heat reflects both the boundless promise and potential danger of the American West, and, by extension, what it symbolizes, the American Dream,” Lee says. Superimposed on each of the fourteen large-scale photographs–and creating a poignant dialogue between word and image–are lines from Philip Sidney’s Astrophil and Stella, a sonnet sequence written in the 1580s, in which Astrophil (the lover [“phil”] of stars [“aster”)) writes of his unattainable love for Stella (Latin for “star”) and the anguish of his desire.
“This is Lee’s second exhibition at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. This show is both thoughtful and introspective, allowing a contemplative experience for our visitors,” said Associate Executive Director Dr. Diana Vela. The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience and independence that helped shape the West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire. Established in 1975, the Museum is considered an invaluable national educational resource for its exhibits, research library and rare photograph collection. Located at 1720 Gendy Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107, the hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults (12+); $9 for seniors (65+) and military (with id); $6 for children (ages 4-12) and children 3 and under with paid admission. For more news and information visit www.cowgirl.net or call 817.336.4475 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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