installation comprising prints, drawings, objects, archive materials, sculptures, research materials, coins, pomegranates, snake plant, books, human spit, toys, religious items and more. 2024
„Snake Chronicles – of Myth and Misogyny“ delves into the evolving perception of the snake symbol by critically looking at depictions of snake-women, spanning from ancient times to contemporary viewpoints.
Over millenia, the snake has embodied a complex symbol, representing the duality of good and evil, associated with some of the oldest rituals known to humankind. Often regarded as familiars of Great Goddesses, snakes were revered as guardians of the mysteries of birth and regeneration. As monotheistic religions emerged, the snake underwent a transformation, shedding its positive connotations to become the primary Christian symbol of evil. Even when depicted beneath the Virgin Mary’s foot, it no longer symbolizes knowledge and power, as it did in the context of the goddess of Minoan Crete, but signifies her triumph over evil. Mary, as the image of purity, exemplifies the idealized woman in the new patriarchal paradigm, perpetuating misogynistic interpretations that endure into the 21st century.
Despite this shift, the symbolic potency of the snake has persisted. It is employed in advertising, art, and literature as a formidable yet dark and alluring force. When associated with the female body through snake skin, scales, or as a serpent ally, it contributes to the archetype of the “femme fatale,” capable of rendering men powerless. Nevertheless, the serpent has relinquished its original role as a symbol of wisdom, healing, and eternity.
“Snake Chronicles” draws from my personal archive, extensive research materials, snake-related objects, and narratives spanning realms such as religion, myth, politics, literature, and advertising, the installation accentuates the concealed power of the snake symbol and its perpetuation of misogynistic tropes. It advocates for a reevaluation, prompting a nuanced perspective that extends to the symbolism of the past: considering the snake not only as a historical emblem of power but also as a contemporary symbol of strength for women.
Installation Views of MaltaBiennale.Art 2024, on view until May 31st 2024 at Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta, in the MatriArchive Section. Pictures Bettina Hutschek and Julian Vassallo
Despite this shift, the symbolic potency of the snake has persisted. It is employed in advertising, art, and literature as a formidable yet dark and alluring force. When associated with the female body through snake skin, scales, or as a serpent ally, it contributes to the archetype of the “femme fatale,” capable of rendering men powerless. Nevertheless, the serpent has relinquished its original role as a symbol of wisdom, healing, and eternity.
“Snake Chronicles” draws from my personal archive, extensive research materials, snake-related objects, and narratives spanning realms such as religion, myth, politics, literature, and advertising, the installation accentuates the concealed power of the snake symbol and its perpetuation of misogynistic tropes. It advocates for a reevaluation, prompting a nuanced perspective that extends to the symbolism of the past: considering the snake not only as a historical emblem of power but also as a contemporary symbol of strength for women.
