Joys and terrors of domesticity in photos

EVANSTON - A new photography exhibit that explores the ways in which domesticity oppresses women opens at Northwestern University’s Dittmar Memorial Gallery.

Patty Carroll’s “Anonymous Women” emphasizes the joys and terrors of domestic life, challenging the idea of home and identity.

The series offers humorous commentary on obsession with design, decoration and the relationship with “things” in a materialistic world. It plays with the contrast of women who aspire to stay home and those who oppose its prison-like atmosphere. In hopes of bringing humor to pathos, the worlds within “Anonymous Women” debunk, critique and satirize suburban myths of claustrophobic perfection.

The exhibit also pays tribute to Scarlett O’Hara, who, undaunted by war, turned her drapery into a beautiful gown and did anything to keep her home, Tara.

“Anonymous Women” runs Sept. 15-Oct. 17 at Dittmar Memorial Gallery, located at Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. Admission to the exhibit is free.

For more information, visit the Dittmar Memorial Gallery website.