Kari Halker-Saathoff

Ceramist and illustrator Kari Halker-Saathoff presents the classic story of Odysseus with a reimagined characterization of his wife Penelope. Graphite illustrations are layered with white paper cut outs, backed in black to mirror the ceramic glazing on low fire red clay vessels. Odysseus occupies these framed illustrations, capturing images inspired by Homer’s Greek poem. Penelope’s story, carried on ceramic vessels, is inspired by her courage and resistance against unwanted suitors as well as current events, including the Women’s March of 2017. Their stories alternate and connect as the viewer travels through the exhibition, titles of the illustrations are inspired by the text of the Odyssey while Penelope’s draw from current events. Viewed together, Halker-Saathoff illuminates the many parallels between the present and 650 B.C.E.

Halker-Saathoff describes Penelope’s situation, “Suitors invaded her home, ate her food, threatened her son, assaulted her servants, and pressured her to remarry. In resisting the suitors Penelope had to use all her resources, showing herself to be as courageous, wily, and brilliant a figure as Odysseus. The courage of her resistance is the inspiration for my interpretation and the struggle of women’s persecution and for equality are ever present.”

Halker-Saathoff is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and educator. Drawn to stories, she feels compelled to explore and represent lesser celebrated characters, as evidenced in Odysseus &Penelope. “I find that reinterpreting a story through art is a powerful way to view the past. Works of historical significance don’t need to linger in the time period in which they were written—they can be viewed through the eyes of today.”