In her latest solo exhibition, GUMBALL—there is absolutely no space between body and soul, vanessa german explores the intersection of spirituality, social justice, and the transformative power of art. Drawing from the metaphysical energy of ancient practices and the emotional weight of her personal experiences, german’s mixed-media sculptures are more than just artistic expressions—they are powerful acts of healing and confrontation. Through monumental heads and fallen figures, she channels ancestral wisdom, resilience, and community in a conversation that is as personal as it is universal.
The title of german’s exhibition, a direct reference to a spiritual concept from Sanskrit, hints at the deep connection between body, soul, and the greater universe. “Siddhi,” meaning “perfection” or “attainment,” is the achievement of an elevated spiritual state attained through mindfulness and meditation. For german, the act of creating is spiritual, a practice of confronting societal issues while channeling a healing energy that resonates on a collective level. GUMBALL is an invitation to reconnect with our deepest selves, to unravel our grief, and to tap into a boundless source of love, creativity, and possibility.
What makes german’s work stand out is her ability to integrate spiritual symbolism with cultural history. Each sculpture in the exhibition serves as a “cosmic map,” as german describes it, guiding viewers through a sacred space that honors the full spectrum of human experience. Drawing inspiration from ancient Mesoamerican Olmec heads, which are carved in basalt and exude gravitas, german’s monumental heads hold immense symbolic weight. She applies this ancient form to a contemporary exploration of identity, healing, and collective power. Her materials—beads, glass, ceramics, found objects—are not just chosen for their aesthetic value but for their metaphysical properties. Stones like quartz, onyx, and obsidian carry transformative, healing energies that german infuses into her pieces, creating works that are both visually striking and spiritually resonant.
In GUMBALL, german moves beyond the physical and explores the emotional and metaphysical dimensions of her subjects. Each sculpture tells a story, weaving together personal memories, collective histories, and powerful emotional states. Take, for example, the emergence, or, on considering the transformative nature of the dragonfly as told by Richard Rudd. This piece—a head adorned with lapis, turquoise, and morganite—transmits the energy of transformation and resilience, invoking both grief and light. The work reflects on the universal themes of birth, suffering, and renewal, encapsulating the painful beauty of personal and collective growth.
This focus on transformation and healing is echoed in german’s portrayal of fallen figures, which are influenced by the “death drops” in vogue dancing—a dramatic, graceful fall to the floor followed by a quick rebound. In german’s hands, these figures become metaphors for resilience, for defying death and systemic oppression. Her fallen figures are not passive but powerful, each strike a statement of resistance against the forces of racism, violence, and homophobia. The heads of these figures are replaced with porcelain caricatures of white figures, a deliberate act of reclaiming power from the distortions of the past.
In these figures, german brings attention to the power of the Black and LGBTQ+ communities to not just survive but thrive. The “death drop” is not an end, but a reclamation—a return to life that embodies defiance and joy in the face of adversity. The pieces call for a new narrative, one that resists the limitations placed upon marginalized communities and instead celebrates their strength, beauty, and boundless potential.
Throughout GUMBALL, german also includes a series of personal references that deepen the emotional resonance of her work. For example, the phrase “the way that black girls—in my youth—could speak their own language by chewing and popping gum” reflects the artist’s own childhood experiences, creating a connection between her personal history and the larger cultural narrative. These intimate touches transform each sculpture into a deeply personal offering, yet one that resonates universally. The work is a celebration of survival, resilience, and the ability to transform pain into something beautiful.
At its core, german’s GUMBALL exhibition challenges the viewer to reconsider the meaning of beauty, power, and healing. By infusing her sculptures with spiritual and metaphysical elements, she creates a space where art and activism coexist—where the act of making is not just a personal or aesthetic pursuit but a way of confronting and healing the deep wounds of society. Her work transcends the material world, reaching into the soul to awaken the potential for transformation and collective liberation.
GUMBALL—there is absolutely no space between body and soul runs through May 10, 2025, at Kasmin Gallery’s Chelsea locations in New York City. For those looking to explore german’s ongoing journey and vast body of work, her Instagram serves as a powerful visual archive of her creative practice, which continues to evolve, challenge, and heal.
In a world increasingly defined by division and pain, vanessa german’s sculptures serve as a reminder that art can be a path to healing, empowerment, and connection. Through her cosmic maps and healing assemblages, she invites us all to dance with our grief, to embrace our collective power, and to envision a new world—one that is as radiant and transformative as the soul itself.
