Krystal DiFronzo—Sunroom Project Space 2022

Krystal DiFronzo’s installation in the Sunroom examines the pharmakon, intergenerational trauma, healing practices, and gendered and stereotypical notions of health, care and emotional labor. Imagery on translucent silk hangings comprises figures in states of contortion along with flora and fauna. Painted with natural dyes, the pieces tie in medicinal and spiritual histories of the plants’ symbology and herbal uses. Depicted on the windows of the space is the toxic angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia), a flower associated with hallucinogenic properties.

DiFronzo creates this installation in response to different familial practices of release. One is the Tarantella, a folk dance in southern Italy (where their grandfather is from) that derives from stories about women bitten by a poisonous spider for which the only relief would be an ecstatic dance accompanied by music. Another is the manipulative control their bodybuilding father places on the Brugmansia, which he propagates as a hobby.