In a bold exploration of ancient narratives, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam unveils ‘Metamorphoses’, a riveting exhibition that juxtaposes the classic myths of Ovid with contemporary interpretations, shedding light on the uncomfortable intersections of power, sexuality, and transformation. Running from 6 February to 25 May, this ambitious showcase features a diverse assembly of artworks, from revered masterpieces to striking modern pieces, offering a fresh lens on age-old stories.
A Darkened Room of Mythical Rebirth
Stepping into the exhibition, visitors are greeted by three monumental screens displaying an unsettling yet captivating performance by artist Juul Kraijer. In this immersive visual experience, Kraijer embodies Medusa, her visage obscured by snakes that glide across her face, a powerful symbol of both beauty and terror. This installation sets the tone for a collection that seeks to challenge viewers’ perceptions of mythology and its relevance in today’s world.
The exhibition does not shy away from the provocative themes inherent in Ovid’s tales. Featuring works from legendary artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini, and Rodin, ‘Metamorphoses’ intertwines these historical pieces with contemporary interpretations that amplify the voices of the marginalized. The inclusion of transgender bodies, depictions of femininity, and even a volcanic vulva serve to highlight the ongoing dialogue about gender and power dynamics.
The Coercion of Desire
Taco Dibbits, the Rijksmuseum’s director, articulates the significance of these ancient myths in our contemporary context: “The Metamorphoses have inspired artists for over 2,000 years and the subject is very relevant today, when everything is changing.” He notes that the myths encapsulate the tumultuous nature of human experience—our passions, sorrows, and fears. As attendees wander through the exhibition, they encounter plaster models by Rodin, evoking the myth of Pygmalion, alongside a striking room inspired by the dubious seduction of Leda by Zeus, who transforms into a swan.
A particular highlight is Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s ‘Sleeping Hermaphroditus’, a masterful sculpture that blurs the lines of gender while resting on a lifelike marble mattress. The work, a rare loan from the Louvre, encapsulates the essence of Ovid’s stories, where bodies merge in both love and violence. Yet, the exhibition does not shy away from revealing the darker undertones of these tales, as one board candidly states: “His loves are rarely tender—more often coercive and one-sided.”
Reclaiming Narratives through Modern Art
Modern artists, particularly women, offer a fresh perspective on these ancient narratives, reclaiming agency where it has historically been denied. South African sculptor Nandipha Mntambo’s bronze work transforms Jupiter into a powerful female form, challenging the traditional portrayal of male dominance. Similarly, Louise Bourgeois’s massive bronze spider sculpture, inspired by the story of Arachne, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of challenging patriarchal figures.
Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta’s ‘Birth (Gunpowder Works)’ evokes a visceral response with its earthy representation of femininity, featuring a vulva-like form filled with smouldering ash. This room, dedicated to chaos and creation, encapsulates the duality of destruction and new beginnings, echoing the transformative themes found within Ovid’s writings.
Frits Scholten, senior curator of sculpture, emphasises the discomfort modern audiences may feel regarding the sexualisation of violence in Ovid’s tales. “All these early stories in Ovid were reinterpreted by each generation,” he explains. “Our generation looks at them in a different way.” This nuanced examination invites visitors to grapple with the complexities of these narratives, acknowledging their darker elements while recognising their cultural significance.
Power Dynamics in Art and History
The interplay of power is further exemplified through historical context. A copy of Michelangelo’s painting of Leda and the Swan, which once graced the walls of Italian palaces, serves as a reminder of the societal dynamics at play. As Scholten notes, such artworks were often positioned as symbols of power, revealing the underlying tensions of desire and domination.
In bringing these stories of metamorphosis to the forefront, Dibbits asserts that the exhibition ultimately conveys a message of hope. “Everything undergoes a metamorphosis but the soul stays,” he reflects. “That’s the hope: we haven’t lost our souls.”
Why it Matters
‘Metamorphoses’ at the Rijksmuseum is not merely an exhibition; it is a profound commentary on the complexities of human experience as mirrored through mythology. By juxtaposing ancient tales with modern interpretations, the show invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about sexuality, power, and transformation. In doing so, it challenges us to reconsider our cultural narratives, reminding us that even as we evolve, the essence of humanity remains unchanged. This dialogue is crucial as society navigates its own metamorphoses, reflecting the enduring relevance of Ovid’s work in understanding our present and shaping our future.
