June 1 - November 6, 2023, Open daily 10am to 5pm
86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA 94062
(650) 364-8300 | info@filoli.org
Ovid's Metamorphosis by Yoko Kubrick is a solo exhibition showcasing abstract marble sculptures inspired by feminine archetypes from the epic work of Ovid. The artist takes us on a journey through Ovid's timeless tales, exploring the feminine archetypes that have captured the imagination of generations. Kubrick's abstractions are an interpretation of these classic heroines, infused with her own language of form and nature, expressed in the ancient medium of marble and other stones. Drawing from her global upbringing in Czechoslovakia, Guam, and Hawaii, Kubrick's work unearths the connections between nature, mythology, and universal beauty. This exhibition presents a contemporary retelling of Ovid's heroines, such as Galatea, Artemis, and Echo, through the language of abstraction.
About the Artist
Yoko Kubrick is a Japanese-American artist and sculptor based in California, creating abstract sculptures influenced by nature's forms and tales from classical and comparative mythology. Kubrick perceives art as a powerful force that unites people and cultures, with sculpture serving as a timeless thread woven through history. Her style merges universal forms with mythic tales, forging an emotional bond between the viewer and the artwork. Using distinguished materials such as marble and bronze, Kubrick invites viewers to explore the allure of certain forms and the mind's perception of beauty. She draws inspiration from the sensual fusion of nature and myth, the Art Nouveau movement's stylized floral and organic forms, and the aesthetic consciousness movement. With over 20 years dedicated to her craft, Kubrick's artistic journey has been shaped by traditional atelier apprenticeships, mentorship from professional sculptors, and studies at the Accademia di Belle Arte in Carrara.
Future Visions
Inspired by the global perspective on public sculpture, Kubrick envisions a world where art seamlessly integrates into daily life, shaping spaces that inspire and elevate individuals and communities. She aspires to motivate future women artists and plans to create monumental public works and collaborate with landscape architects to further this artistic vision. Kubrick's exploration of the role of sculpture in public spaces continues to evolve, and she looks forward to future collaborations with public gardens and spaces. This exhibition at Filoli is a testament to this ongoing exploration and marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey.
Thetis, the Shapeshifter. Photography by Nicola Gnesi
“But Peleus caught Thetis, the Nereid, even though she changed her shape. He held the sea-goddess and made her his own. He found her asleep on the shore by the cool spring and embraced her eagerly."“
Thetis, sea nymph, signifies the changing and elusive nature of femininity. A shapeshifter, she reflects the adaptability linked to womanhood. As Achilles' mother, she embodies motherhood's nurturing and protective essence. In Peleus and Thetis' story, Ovid paints women with complexity. Thetis is strong, yet vulnerable, unable to evade Peleus. Women can be both tough and tender, powerful but willing to surrender.