Lilith

2021

Plaster Sculpture

17 in x 24 in x 40 in

In my senior project, I am exploring a retelling of the biblical story of Lilith. I am portraying her story by creating a life-size plaster sculpture kneeling as if she might flee at any moment only to reveal that she is eating a pomegranate. Lilith was originally created as Adam’s equal, but Adam wanted her to be more subservient. Lilith fled the Garden of Eden in order to escape Adam’s misogynistic ideals. Eve was then created from Adam’s rib to be a more submissive partner for him. Lilith is said to be the serpent who came to Eve and gave her the pomegranate in an attempt to release Eve from Adam. Since Lilith left the Garden of Eden, she has been turned into a sexualized demonic figure.

We, as humans, too often vilify figures who go against what we deem acceptable. These immediate negative perceptions keep us from seeing whole stories, while also keeping us from exploring our own darkest corners and emotions. We refuse to acknowledge that these latent impulses still exist within us. There are no “villains” or “good guys,” only humans, and we all have good days and bad days. This long instilled fear of being “bad” keeps us from living a life of balance.