“You lads who cull flowers and strawberries that grow so low, begone from here; a chill snake lurks in the grass.” - Virgil. Eclogues, Georgics, Aeneid. Translated by Fairclough, H R. Loeb
For Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 Sebastian Gladstone will present a solo exhibition by the Los Angeles-based artist timo fahler titled “snake in the grass”-- an exploration of the multifaceted symbolism of the serpent throughout history as it relates to our current political and social climate. The title itself evokes imagery of deception, danger, and hidden agendas, echoing the age-old myth of the serpent in the Garden of Eden—a figure both revered as the harbinger of knowledge and feared as the bringer of downfall.
Throughout human civilization, the snake has been a symbol laden with contradictory meanings. It embodies threat and malevolence in some contexts, while in others, it represents wisdom, spirituality, and power. Fahler's exhibition seeks to delve into this dichotomy, challenging viewers to confront their preconceived notions of good and evil, right and wrong.
In our contemporary society, the snake's symbolism continues to resonate across various domains, from the realms of finance and politics to religion and medicine. The dollar sign, often associated with greed and materialism, finds its roots in the sinuous form of the serpent, highlighting the complex interplay between wealth and morality. Similarly, in the medical profession, the caduceus—a symbol featuring two snakes entwined around a staff—is emblematic of healing and health but also serves as a reminder of the ethical dilemmas inherent in the practice of medicine.
Drawing upon ancient Aztec symbology of the artist’s heritage, Fahler's artworks offer a nuanced reflection on the polarized nature of contemporary American society. By juxtaposing the serpent with cultural motifs from Mesoamerican civilizations, the artist invites viewers to contemplate the absence of a middle ground in our current socio-political landscape, while reflecting the political nature of his own identity. In Fahler's vision, the serpent becomes a metaphor for the dualistic nature of human existence, where every decision and action seems to lead to moral ambiguity and ethical compromise.