Daphné

Daphné- Tree-Human

‘By transformation spoil the form with which I pleased too much!’
This series of paintings and sculptural works originates from the Greek Myth of Daphné, who is transformed to a tree, after being harassed by Apollon who does not accept her rejection. What intrigues me about this legend is the fact that Daphné, as the desired one, has to save and protect herself and live with the lifelong consequences.Her transformation is portrayed as a free decision. But how free to choose was Daphné really?At first, I saw Daphnés in all the women around me. Women who, due to structural discrimination and entrenched sexism, could not take on the roles that they could have according to their potential. However, the more I engaged with the Daphnés, the more I saw Daphnés in all people, regardless of gender. Daphné stands for all those who, due to the gaze of others, the pressure of society and the burden of transgenerational trauma, cannot develop freely and fulfil their true potential. They confine those parts of themselves that don’t please and transform more and more into a tree human.First steps of healing are recognizing, exploring and accepting our own Daphné-parts. So we can either make peace with the unlived parts of ourselves, or we can change our lives.