Delia Hamer's latest exhibition, 'Rinse My Soul', in RHODES Project Room, delves into the profound connections between water and spiritual renewal, continuing the thematic exploration of her earlier works. With this new body of work, Hamer sharpens her focus on the symbolic act of cleansing and regeneration through rituals akin to Christian baptism or the ancient bathings at the Eleusinian mysteries, where water acts as a medium for transformation - where the old is relinquished for the new. Born in Germany and raised under the vivid sun of southern Spain, Hamer's palette is rich with the hues of the Mediterranean—azure...
Delia Hamer's latest exhibition, 'Rinse My Soul', in RHODES Project Room, delves into the profound connections between water and spiritual renewal, continuing the thematic exploration of her earlier works. With this new body of work, Hamer sharpens her focus on the symbolic act of cleansing and regeneration through rituals akin to Christian baptism or the ancient bathings at the Eleusinian mysteries, where water acts as a medium for transformation - where the old is relinquished for the new.
Born in Germany and raised under the vivid sun of southern Spain, Hamer's palette is rich with the hues of the Mediterranean—azure blues, verdant greens, and the fiery oranges of citrus fruit, which recur throughout her paintings. These elements, combined with motifs like palm trees and terracotta vases, create lush, textured scenes that evoke a timeless aura.
In 'Rinse My Soul', Hamer invites the viewer into contemplative dreamscapes where water is omnipresent, not just as a physical element, but as a symbol of cleansing and introspection. Her signature use of female figures, depicted with closed eyes and often in solitary contexts, highlight themes of inner reflection and psychological solitude. These figures, emblematic of the human soul, are portrayed with a vulnerability that is both raw and serene, standing against backdrops bursting with saturated colours that suggest not loneliness, but a chosen solitude reminiscent of a return to Eden.
The exhibition not only showcases Hamer's unique blend of mythology and personal narrative but also challenges the audience to see water as a conduit for personal and collective metamorphosis. Her work, rich in symbolic layering, encourages a dialogue between the viewer's inner experiences and the universal stories captured in her canvases.
'Rinse My Soul' promises an immersive experience where visitors can expect to be drawn into a world where myth, memory, and the motif of renewal coalesce, offering a refreshing perspective on the cycles of life and rebirth that resonate across cultures and epochs.
The exhibition will also mark the release of Delia Hamer’s exclusive limited edition print release via RHODES EDITIONS.