Metamorphosis as transgression

This tour by Marie Arleth Skov focusses on the subversive qualities of transmutation, from surrealist flowers to extravagant fantasy monsters. Historically as well as contemporarily, the choice to change often equals defiance—not only of societal expectations, but also of “God-given” or natural laws. To not stay put, “where you belong,” but to strive to be different, to be other, messes with classifications and barriers that define our worldview, and such change is thus perceived as dangerous, upsetting, unruly.

In the exhibition Chrysalis: The Butterfly’s Dream we see several artworks, where this idea of metamorphosis as transgression shines through. The tour focusses on works by Monster Chetwynd, Anna Zemánková, Frida Orupabo, Leigh Bowery, Pierre Molinier, and Genesis & Lady Jaye Breyer P-Orridge to explore the transgressive qualities of floral, sexual, and bodily transformation—and the potentially seditious pain and joy that comes with it.

The tour is free, please make sure to register on the left hand icon of the page.

Marie Arleth Skov is a Danish art historian, curator, and author based in Berlin.