Brown University in Providence, RI (USA) was the tenth venue for the mosaic installation Victorious Secret created by visual artist Angela Lorenz in 2012-2013. This set of three triptychs, encompassing nine panels in all, is based upon actual ancient mosaics from 300 AD still in their original location in Piazza Armerina, Sicily (Italy).
These mosaics of female athletes made out of buttons are dedicated to Title IX, a law created in the United States in 1972 to address inequality in women’s university sports programs and other discrimination.
At Brown University all three mosaic triptychs were hung in the Rockefeller Library, one of Brown’s three main student libraries on campus.
On October 13, 2017 the artist gave a formal public lecture in the Rockefeller Library’s Digital Humanities Lab, as part of Brown’s Family Weekend programming.
Following the lecture, the public was invited to the adjacent exhibition, where the artist took part in a Q&A with the general public.
On November 3, 2017 the artist lectured again in the Rockefeller Library for a graduate seminar on research methods in the Italian Studies Department, taught by Massimo Riva, Royce Family Professor of Teaching Excellence.
The artist is grateful for the support of many departments and employees that aided in the installation, promotion and funding of the exhibition and related events, especially Harriette Hemmasi, former University Librarian, Tiffini Bowers, Exhibition Curator for the Special Collections Department at the John Hay Library, and Christopher Geissler, former Director of the John Hay Library. A special thank you to Communications and Public Programs Manager, Jennifer Braga, who publicized the events. This exhibition and the artist’s visit to campus was also supported by the Italian Studies Department.