Daphne’s Wardrobe—Metamorphosis into Nature - Descanso Gardens

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 Valerie Hammond, Adelle Lutz, Elana Herzog, Melissa Meier, Wangechi Mutu, Vibeke Sorensen, Alison Saar, Rina Banerjee, Phyllis Green, iris yirei hu, and Vera Lehndorff/Holger Trülzsch, 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.