Exhibit review: ‘Flying To The Sun’ at FAB Gallery

Flying To The Sun is a collection composed of 18 illustrations by artist, illustrator, and writer Narges Noori. Currently in residence at the University of Alberta, Noori curated this exhibition as a part of this year’s campus-wide International Week (I-Week). Drawing from her own experiences navigating oppressive societal constraints, Noori’s evocative illustrations seek to educate and empower young women to resist barriers and achieve their ambitions. Noori is also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and access to education in Afghanistan. 

Beside the exhibition, a stand holds several copies of the illustrated book. By perusing the pages, visitors can gain further context.

Beginning at the entrance to the gallery and continuing throughout the room, the illustrations create a chronological narrative. Centering on a young female protagonist, Noori employs easy-to-grasp representations of complicated ideas. For instance, women are born with “useless” wings and are forced to keep them tied behind their backs. Representing the suppression of female joy, ambition, intelligence, and ability, Noori presents this injustice in a way that is understandable for children. Moreover, large twisting monsters with teeth and spears called “Rulers” prohibit and restrict women’s ability to fly. Although both the monsters and what they represent are frightening, Noori’s fantastical artistic style thoughtfully blends fear with elegant playfulness.

As the story progresses, the protagonist becomes fascinated by her wings. In one illustration, she sees her wings in the mirror despite their cover. In another, she imagines her wings swirling in the air around her. By learning more about herself, and teaching herself to fly, the young girl gradually gains confidence in her own power. Noori’s visually appealing use of bright colours and soft shapes reinforces these themes of positive growth.    

The young girl soon realizes that she has outgrown her current world. With conviction in her own knowledge and abilities, she wants to break free from this society that forces her to conceal her own potential. As she flies towards the sun, escaping the Rulers, Noori writes that “life without flying had become meaningless to her.” Outflying oppression, the girl breaks through the confines of her society and into the open space beyond. 

By using illustrations to make these complex issues accessible to young children, Noori highlights the importance of early childhood education. Children are able to learn the valuable lesson of overcoming obstacles and chasing one’s dreams, even when others may stand against them. Moreover, on a broader scale, no age is too young to learn powerful stories of resistance against oppression. 

Noori’s feminist narrative provides an empowering message for young girls to believe in their own potential, spread their wings, and fly towards their desires.

Flying To The Sun was featured at FAB Gallery from February 4 – 8.