The Snake Show: Exhibition features work by Sharon Kivland on the subject of snakes – Opens 02 February 2018
Dr Sharon Kivland, Reader in Fine Art at Sheffield Hallam University, will feature in an exhibition telling the story of the changing perception of snakes through history entitled THE SNAKE SHOW being held in the space formally known as ECOTRACO in Valletta, Malta and opens on Friday 02 February 2018.
“The serpent will come from the hole
On the brown Day of Bríde,
Though there should be three feet of snow
On the flat surface of the ground.”
From a hymn sung on Brigid’s Day
Having been a symbol of wisdom, fertility and life, the snake lost its positive meaning with the arrival of St. Paul to Malta, his encounter with a snake, and the advent of Christianity. The symbolic power of the snake symbol, however, has remained undiminished from prehistory to her incorporation into popular Christian devotion and beyond.
The exhibition presents art works by contemporary artists as well as research material, archival, documentary objects and found objects. The objects are brought together in an associative way that allows visitors to discover new and old readings of snake tales. Archive films and photography will accompany the exhibition.
Artists Pippin Barr, Anna Block, Carl Gent, Ryan Falzon, Sharon Kivland, Karine Rougier, Sarah Maria Scicluna and others will present snake-related work. The exhibition is curated by Bettina Hutschek and organised by FRAGMENTA Malta as part of Valletta 2018 – European Capital of Culture.
The opening ceremony falls on 02 February, Brigid’s day – who was an ancient goddess. Her festival day, “Imbolc” is traditionally a time for weather prognostication.
THE SNAKE SHOW
188b St Lucy street, Valletta, Malta
Opens 02 February and runs until 11 February 2018, free of charge.
Find out more on the Facebook event here.
Dr Sharon Kivland is a Reader in Fine Art at Sheffield Hallam University. Find out more about Sharon Kivland’s work here.