Thanks to a Toronto Public Library Map Pass, I received free admission to the Textile Museum of Canada yesterday afternoon. I saved fifteen dollars and gained a rewarding experience that nourished my imagination.
Artistic Garage Door to Museum
After looking at textile treasures from the permanent collection, I enjoyed the gorgeous clothing and wall hangings on display as part of “Silk Oasis on the Silk Road: Bukhara” and the diverse elements of “Magic Squares: The Patterned Imagination of Muslim Africa in Contemporary Culture.”
Egyptian Door Hanging (1920-1929)
My favourite part of the library-sponsored trip was listening to the 99 attributes of God in Arabic as I sat on the floor in front of Alia Toor’s 99 dust masks embroidered with these Names. I don’t know how to read Arabic script, but I recognized a few of the words being recited into my ears via a pair of Sony headphones: Ar-Rahim (the Compassionate) and Al-Hakim (the Wise).
“99 Names of Aman” (2004) by Alia Toor
As I was leaving the soul-enriching exhibit, a family of three entered the lobby. And what did they give the cashier at admissions? A Library Map Pass, of course!
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