THE ESCAPE OF DAFNE

"VIX CONIUNCTA SUIS, MODO JAM VIRIDESCENS ARBOR / UT CEDIT MADIDAE, VELUT EXIGUA CUPRESSO / CREVERAT IN PINGUEM THALAMO NUPTA CUPIDO."

"NEWLY JOINED TO HER OWN, NOW ALREADY BECOME A VERDANT TREE / LIKE A CYPRESS THAT GROWS LARGE AND LUXURIANT IN THE PERFUMED BED OF THE BRIDE CUPID." 

OVIDIO, METAMORFOSI, BOOK I

20.02.2025

"The Escape" explores the powerful narrative of Daphne, the nymph transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's pursuit. This myth becomes the cornerstone of a reflection on metamorphosis as a tool for self-preservation and adaptation.

In her despair, Daphne prays to the gods for a way out and is transformed into a laurel tree, symbolizing salvation through radical change. The exhibition examines how transformation can represent not only an escape from threat but also a rebirth and a new form of existence. The central concept of "The Escape" is metamorphosis as a positive and necessary response to life's inevitable changes. The theme will be explored through various artistic interpretations of change and adaptation, offering a reflection on the challenges and opportunities that transformation brings.

The works on display will be selected for their exploration of metamorphosis, personal transformation, and resilience. Each artist will be invited to reflect on how their artistic practice can embody the concept of escape and transformation, making visible the act of evolving and adapting to new realities.

Change is always complex but equally necessary. In his sculpture Apollo and Daphne, Bernini captures the dramatic moment of Daphne’s transformation into a tree, emphasizing the intensity of change. The sculpture represents the conflict between persecution and salvation through metamorphosis.

"The Escape" is an opportunity to explore how change and adaptation can be represented and interpreted artistically. Each artist is encouraged to express the complexity of transformation through their work, showing how it can be a creative response to the challenges and opportunities life presents.

Concept by Mara Cipriano Senior Artcurator