Karlien van Rooyen

This work is part of Karlien van Rooyen’s exhibition, 'Anamist'.

Says Karlien van Rooyen of this work: "The origin of the double-snake emblem is shrouded in the mists of antiquity. The Asclepian emblem has been associated with health care since the 5th century BC when Asclepius became accepted by the Greeks as the god of healing. In classical times it became the herald’s wand (caduceus) of Hermes, messenger of the gods who guided departed souls to the Underworld, and was seen as the protector of travellers, shepherds and merchants. 

"Since time immemorial the snake has been venerated as an enigmatic creature with supernatural powers. As a snake and staff symbol is traditionally associated with the healing arts, this sculpture was made in celebration of the web of medical professionals working together during the challenging and uncertain times of the COVID pandemic."

Van Rooyen grew up in the small town of Kommetjie at the foot of a mountain on South Africa’s Cape Point. Affronted by unrelenting ocean storms, the town was also home to a wild and diverse ecosystem. The living space in her house was adorned by an archive of natural objects – whether inherited or collected on hunting and foraging adventures, this trove of objects formed visual imprints on her imagination.