GROWTH

"Times change, and we change with them." 

("Time changes, and we change with it.")

(Ovid, Metamorphoses, BookXV)

23.10.2025 

Transformation and renewal arise from the inexorable flow of life cycles, an essential part of our journey.

This reflection guided to the exhibition "Growth," an art show that explores the themes of growth and cycles through the myth of Demeter and her daughter Persephone. The myth tells of Persephone, Demeter's daughter, who is kidnapped by Hades, lord of the Underworld, who falls in love with her and takes her to his kingdom to be his bride. Desperate, Demeter wanders the world in search of her daughter. In her grief, she neglects her divine duties: the earth ceases to bear fruit, the crops wither, and humanity faces famine. Eventually, Zeus intervenes and sends Hermes to treat with Hades. Persephone is bound to the realm of the dead, having eaten the pomegranate in the underworld (a food that binds one to that realm). However, she will spend part of the year in the Underworld with her husband and part with her mother on earth. When Persephone is in the Underworld with Hades, Demeter, her mother, grieves deeply for her absence. This moment corresponds to autumn and winter, the time when life seems to stand still. When Persephone returns to earth, Demeter rediscovers joy and nature blossoms again: spring and summer arrive.

The exhibition “Growth” is based on this ancient truth: growing up means going through happy and unhappy seasons; pain is part of the cycle of growth and renewal, it helps us understand ourselves and reflect; and happiness helps us flourish.

The works on display will explore how personal and collective growth can be influenced by these natural cycles of life and how change can lead to new opportunities and rebirth. The exhibition is open to all art forms, offering a space to explore and celebrate the essence of growth and renewal.

Concept by Mara Cipriano Senior Art Curator