Adonia

Adonia consists of four glass limbs made of transparent opalescent glass, each filled with camphor, resting in the center of the room.

The title references an ancient Greek festival dedicated to Adonis—a figure embodying beauty and desire, connected with cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Women would plant quick-growing herbs that flourished rapidly only to wither, mirroring Adonis‘ tragic and cyclical story. These rituals of mourning and rebirth were intimate, private, and primarily observed by women.

My work engages with body parts and ex-votos, votive offerings that transcend time and culture. They’ve historically been given in gratitude for divine favors, but also as a form of bargaining.

Camphor, a resin native to Southeast Asia, has been revered across cultures for centuries. In Puerto Rico, it plays a vital role in spiritual cleansings and is also used as an insect repellent. This remarkable substance sublimates—transforming directly from a solid to a gas—releasing a distinct mentholated aroma that lingers while it disappears into thin air.

It’s a true honor to be part of this powerful show. My deepest congratulations to the artists, curators, and the amazing team at JSF.

Works by:
Jo Baer, Rosa Barba, Theresa Baumgartner, Paul Chan, Trisha Donnelly, Laurel Halo, Lotus L. Kang, LABOUR (Farahnaz Hatam & Colin Hacklander), Ghislaine Leung, David Medalla, Carsten Nicolai, Norbert Pape & Simon Speiser, Giovanna Repetto, Chaveli Sifre, Jesse Stecklow, Anicka Yi.

After Images
11 September 2024 - 27 April 2025
Julia Stoschek Foundation
Leipziger Strasse 60, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Showcased in 
Berlin Art Week Fotorückblick 2 024
Vougue Germany




© Chaveli Sifre