Phyllis Green, Samidh Hood, 2015 (detail). Courtesy of the artist.
At Descanso Gardens’ upcoming exhibition, Daphne’s Wardrobe—Metamorphosis Into Nature, mythology takes root in the modern world. Opening March 1, at the Sturt Haaga Gallery and Boddy House, the exhibition delves into the myth of Daphne, the virginal naiad who transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s pursuit. Her soft skin turned to bark, her hair to wild foliage, and her delicate arms into branches, forever binding her to the natural world. This metamorphosis serves as a thematic foundation for an artistic exploration of identity, femininity and humanity’s connection to nature.
Curated by Carole Ann Klonarides, Daphne’s Wardrobe brings together a compelling mix of photography, sculpture, painting, works on paper and wearable garments from internationally renowned artists, including Valerie Hammond, Adelle Lutz, Elana Herzog, Melissa Meier, Wangechi Mutu, Vibeke Sorensen, Alison Saar, Rina Banerjee, Phyllis Green, Iris Yirei Hu, and the duo Vera Lehndorff and Holger Trülzsch. Through their work, the artists challenge conventional boundaries between the human form and nature, merging artistic media with mythology and contemporary concerns.
“The transformation of Daphne has many representations in art and fashion throughout history. Today, this powerful, often referred to and, on occasion, debated myth might have Daphne change into a gynoid or an AI fantasy like in the film ‘Her.’ The art in this exhibition leads us to find ourselves one with nature in a world dominated by machines and digital representations,” Klonarides explains.
At the heart of the exhibition is the question: What does metamorphosis mean today? Some works emphasize bodily transformation through organic materials, while others blur the line between myth and technology. Whether through tactile sculptures or wearable nature-inspired pieces, the exhibition’s narrative offers a visceral, thought-provoking experience. The show also highlights the symbolic role of trees, plants and other organic elements in reshaping our understanding of human identity and environmental consciousness.
The exhibition launches with an opening reception on Feb. 28, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., where visitors can meet the curator and artists while enjoying live music and a no-host bar. Additional programming includes a Nature & Fashion Workshop (March 9), a Wearable Nature Art Workshop (April 5), a curator-led tour (May 3) and an artists’ panel discussion (May 15). These events provide further insight into the themes of metamorphosis, folklore and artistic reinvention.
Klonarides, a renowned contemporary art curator, educator, and writer, is known for her work at the Santa Monica Museum of Art (now ICA LA) and the Long Beach Museum of Art. She has also worked as a career strategist for artists since 2012 and currently teaches in the Humanities and Sciences Department at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. She has carefully selected works that reference both constructive and destructive aspects of humanity’s relationship with nature. Since 2012, she has also worked as a career strategist for artists and teaches in the Humanities and Sciences Department at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
With its blend of interdisciplinary media, Daphne’s Wardrobe examines the evolving relationship between humanity and nature, drawing on mythology, history and contemporary artistic perspectives. “The art in this exhibition leads us to find ourselves one with nature in a world dominated by machines and digital representations,” says Klonarides.
Sturt Haaga Gallery & Boddy House, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. (818) 949-4200. descansogardens.org.
