Sistere at the Art Gallery of Hamilton March 2025

Edwin Farms opens this solo show at the Art Gallery of Hamilton

Kristin Sjaarda’s retrospective exhibition, Sistere explores themes of decay, renewal, and the delicate interplay between the natural world and human intervention. Inspired by the work of Rachel Ruysch, particularly her portrayal of nature's impermanence, Sjaarda’s photographs reflect the fleeting beauty of flora, while confronting contemporary concerns of climate change and environmental degradation.

The title Sistere, drawn from its connection to the word solstice, evokes a sense of pause—a moment to reflect on both personal and ecological time. Sjaarda’s work has evolved from early arrangements directly referencing the classical vanitas, to more recent, site-specific images that capture the essence of singular places and moments.

Her use of mirrors as portals and tools for symmetry underscores her exploration of dualities, both in nature and perception. With each piece, Sjaarda’s work becomes more attuned to the specificities of time and location, offering a deeper engagement with the fleeting beauty of the world around us. In her latest series, Palindromes, she continues to break traditional narrative structures, engaging with the playful complexity of symmetry and reflection.