Celebrating the life and work of the most unusual freedom fighter
By Amber Davis
If you were asked to picture a freedom fighter, it is unlikely that a 17th Century nun would be the first thing to spring to your mind. Sister Juana Ines de la Cruz is just that, remembered today as one of the bravest, most complex, and perhaps least likely of feminist heroes.
Starting life on the slopes of the Popocatépetl volcano, Mexico, Sor Juana developed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. After she had learned traditional skills such as embroidery and sewing, she wanted more. Schools and Universities were no place for girls and so Sor Juana was left to raid her Grandfather’s book collection to explore her interests in languages, sciences and philosophy.
Defending a woman’s right to education, freedom and self-expression
By 12 years old she was teaching, writing and astonishing those around her and by 20 she had joined a convent, the only way for a young woman to continue her studies. It was during this time she created some of her greatest pieces of work, defending a woman’s right to education, freedom and self-expression. Sor Juana was talent for witting even extended into the kitchen, developing recipes that are still treasured to this day.
Icon of Freedom is a five day festival celebrating the life and work of Sor Juana with the help of contemporary artists, academics, designer and chefs. As well as showcasing her poetry and literature, Icon of Freedom will feature film, music, visual arts, talks and debates to explore Sor Juana’s contribution to the world of art, fashion and Mexican gastronomy. You can visit the exhibition for free 11-15 November, 11am-6pm at Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf.
What: Icon of Freedom Festival
Where: Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank, London
When: 11 November – 15 November
Opening Times: 11.00am – 6.00pm
Cost: Free, gastronomy event is ticketed.
