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Women in Art: Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe

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Photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and Elnora M. Brown, the granddaughter of Miss Bertha, pictured in the background.
Photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and Elnora M. Brown, the granddaughter of Miss Bertha, pictured in the background.

Another packed house enjoyed the final installment of the Women in Art lecture series, a phenomenal talk given by photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. Jeanne captivated the audience with tales of her journeys to Daufuskie Island during the late 1970s and early 1980s, accompanied by her husband, the late tennis star Arthur Ashe. During her visits, Jeanne captured intimate images of island residents on film.

At the close of the lecture, several audience members shared recollections of their relatives who were included in Jeanne’s photographs. One woman, Carlette Geddis, recounted meeting Jeanne and Arthur on Daufuskie Island as an eleven-year-old girl. The stories were incredibly moving, and made for a special night for all of those in attendance.

Carlette M. Geddis with photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. Ms. Geddis is the cousin of the girl in the photograph.
Carlette M. Geddis with photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. Ms. Geddis is the cousin of the girl in the photograph.
The crowd listens to Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe
The crowd listens to Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe
Book signing following the lecture
Book signing following the lecture

Daufuskie Island: Photographs by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe will be on view at the Gibbes through January 10, 2010.

Special thanks to the Center for Women and Duvall Catering & Event Design.

 

Published November 23, 2009

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