Lilitu
Aims to investigate and challenge intersectional feminism and the consequences of the metaphysical realm.
This installation examines the intricate interplay of an individual's social and political identities, uncovering unique forms of discrimination and privilege. Within the confined gallery space, the art pieces harmonize conflicting ideologies: oppression vs. empowerment and repression vs. expression. This juxtaposition invites us to reconsider our definitions of these concepts within the framework of contemporary socio-cultural norms, transcending gender and orientation.
At its core, the exhibit portrays nightmares as manifestations of the collective unconscious, guiding us on a journey of self-discovery and conscious awareness. In this narrative, Lilitu emerges as a symbol of the subliminal, shepherding the viewer through a transformative journey.
Ultimately, Lilitu serves as a lens to explore and challenge the principles of intersectional feminism and the metaphysical realm, provoking thought and reflection on the complex layers of identity and experience.
Black Moon - Lilith
Its mythology and symbolism are best expressed through its lack of physicality: Black Moon Lilith is a void. An absence. A missing piece. Likewise, Black Moon Lilith represents our deepest repressed desires that yearn to be expressed.
It speaks to the darkest parts of ourselves through our unconscious, the parts we’re often afraid to acknowledge or where we feel criticized or misunderstood. When we choose to explore these empty spaces in our own stories, we can excavate incredible discoveries about the most hidden parts of ourselves: our desire, autonomy, will, and freedom.
The Moon’s elliptical orbit around the earth is shown in the diagram above. Black Moon Lilith is the dark void between the Moon and the Earth when the Moon aligns directly with the sun at the farthest point in the elliptical moon orbit.
Queen Of The Night
[Mythology]
The female “demon”, the “dark maid”. who took up residence in the trunk of the huluppu tree is attested in Mesopotamian literature as far back as the third millennium B.C.E. (Hutter 1995:973). She was “a female demon.” A kind of lilu (feminine lilitu), the name of a family of demons (Chicago Assyrian Dictionary 1956). The term comes from the Sumerian lil, “air, wind. spirit” (Douglas Frayne, personal communication, December 10,1996). The lilu demons controlled “stormy winds”, and the lilitu could fly like a bird ( Hutter 1995:973).
The lilu class of demons also had decidedly negative sexual characteristics, which were especially marked in the females. They were not married, they wandered about seeking to entrap men, and they were apt to steal into a man’s house through the window. More important, the Mesopotamians considered their sexuality not to be “normal”, for a man does not have intercourse with them “in the same way as with his wife” (Hutter 1995:973).
The Night Intruder
[Night Demon]
Lilitu visits to reveal hidden aspects of the psyche through nightmares, seen as a symbol of the unconscious. Deciphering her messages requires courage and willingness to confront fears, leading to deeper self-understanding and discovery of hidden strengths.
12 Illustrations
In a dialogue with a friend from a parallel path, we unearthed shared narratives. Through a suite of 12 illustrations, we unveil our odyssey, where the shadows of nightmares ignited existential inquiry, birthing profound metamorphoses that shaped our passage through time.
Cultural Shackles & Submissive Blindness
An exploration of the impact of culture and upbringing on an individual’s life. The artwork reflects on the complex relationship between personal identity and the constraints imposed by cultural norms.
Silent Torment
The repeated hands symbolize the cycle of abuse, conveying its unrelenting nature and the sense of being trapped in an endless cycle.
The Night Intruder
Lilitu passes off a black sphere, representing the enigmatic symbol of Black Moon Lilith. This sphere acts as a metaphorical embodiment of the darkest aspects of the figure’s psyche, the repressed and suppressed parts of her identity that manifest in her nightmares.
Revival of The Unconscious
The figure portrayed gradually develops eyes, symbolizing her growing awareness and ability to confront the nightmares that have haunted her. An evolution from a state of vulnerability to a newfound strength and self-understanding.
Journey Towards Self-understanding
The figure experiences a range of emotions and thoughts, grappling with the intricate and tangled nature of her internal dialogue.
Navigating Through A Sea of Veiled Eyes
She navigates her evolving sense of self while balancing personal growth with a desire to stay connected to her cultural roots.
Dismissed Echoes
Her appeals were persistently disregarded or dismissed, often unjustly attributing blame to her.
Gaslighting vs Inner Truth
The complex and often disorienting experience of gaslighting, where individuals seeking help are met with disbelief, manipulation, and invalidation.
The blindfolded eyes signify how the figure’s perception of reality becomes clouded as she question her own experiences and begin to doubt her own sanity. The repetition of this imagery throughout the artwork emphasizes the cyclical nature of gaslighting and the enduring impact it can have over years. The eye’s presence within the mouth signifies the figure’s eventual realization and trust in her own inner knowledge.
Breaking Cultural Shackles
The transformative odyssey of liberating oneself from societal expectations and limitations. The illustration portrays the end of the ongoing struggle between the familiar and her individual identity.
Empowered Resilience
Asserting her personal power by refusing to feel shame or remaining silent as a victim.
Transcending Shadow
At the heart of the composition stands the figure of a woman, exuding grace and fortitude as she raises aloft a black sphere. This sphere, the embodiment of Black Moon Lilith, symbolizes feminine resilience and rebellion, its six eyes a testament to the wisdom garnered through trials.
Perceived a Demon Lilitu
Individuals who liberate themselves from societal limitations are frequently portrayed as either deranged or malevolent.