Daphne’s Wardrobe—Metamorphosis into Nature
March 1–June 1, 2025
Melissa Meier, Moss, 2023 (detail). Courtesy of the artist.
Phyllis Green, Samidh Hood, 2015 (detail). Courtesy of the artist.
Valerie Hammond, Daphne 2, 2024 (detail). Courtesy of the artist.
Descanso Gardens presents Daphne’s Wardrobe—Metamorphosis into Nature, an interdisciplinary exhibition of artworks by women who explore body transformations into nature.
Daphne’s Wardrobe draws on mythologic and folklore narratives to examine themes of metamorphosis, revealing humanity’s deep connection to the natural world.
Curated by Carole Ann Klonarides, the exhibition features wearable garments, photography, sculpture, painting, and works on paper.
The “Daphne” of the title is the mythic nymph who was changed through metamorphosis into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s advances. Her soft skin turned into bark, her hair grew into foliage, her arms into branches, and her feet into roots, making her earthbound.
Daphne’s Wardrobe will include the work of internationally-known artists such as Valerie Hammond, Adelle Lutz, Elana Herzog, Melissa Meier, Wangechi Mutu, Vibeke Sorensen, Alison Saar, Rina Banerjee, Phyllis Green, Iris Yirei Hu, among others, who challenge us to rethink our deep connection to nature while also referencing the complex cultural histories—both constructive and destructive—that have shaped this relationship.
The Sturt Haaga Gallery and its programs are generously funded, in part, by Perenchio Foundation and an endowment from Heather Sturt Haaga and Paul G. Haaga, Jr.
Daphne’s Wardrobe—Metamorphosis into Nature is open at the Sturt Haaga Gallery and Boddy House from March 1–June 1, 2025, 10am–4pm daily. Entry to the Gallery and Boddy House is included in the price of admission or membership.
Top photo: Melissa Meier, Moss, 2023 (detail). Courtesy of the artist.
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