Maria came to us with a Spanish poem. The idea of being a powerful woman able to defeat whatever crosses in front of her was the jumping off point for this vertical design. She found the poem, we found the translator, and Gabriel was inspired to create this piece of art.
Lilith, a prominent figure in Jewish mythology, is often portrayed as Adam’s first wife who refused to submit to him, thus becoming a symbol of rebellion and independence. Her story, as found in texts like The Alphabet of Ben Sira, explains that Lilith was created from the same earth as Adam, making them equals. When Adam demanded her submission, Lilith uttered the secret name of God and fled Eden (Patai, 1990).
In Jewish mysticism, particularly within the Zohar, Lilith is depicted as a demoness associated with Samael, the angel of death. Together, they form an unholy pair, representing the darker forces within the universe (Hurwitz, 1999). Lilith is feared as a seductress and a threat to infants, leading to the use of amulets and prayers for protection, especially during childbirth (Schwartz, 1991).
Her mystical role as both a dangerous and independent spirit reflects deeper fears about unchecked female autonomy. In modern times, Lilith has been reinterpreted as a feminist symbol, embodying defiance and freedom from patriarchal constraints.
אִם אוֹדוֹתַי תְּבַקֵּשׁ לָדַעַת, לְהַכִּיר מַהוּתִי וּפָעֳלִי, שָׁאַל אֶת אֱלֹהִים, הוּא יַתִּיז אֶת שְׁמִי בִּרְקִיקָה. אִשָּׁה אַלִּימָה וּמַדִּיחָה אֲנִי, מוּל מַבָּטִי לֹא תַּעֲמֹד שֶׁכֵּן דָּם הָאֲרוּרִים נוֹלַד מִמֶּנִּי. רַק לֶאֱהֹב אוֹתִי תּוּכַל, וּמִפְלָטֵךְ הַיָּחִיד – הַמָּוֶת. לִילִית
Deseas saber de mi? conoceme por lo que soy, por lo que hice, preguntale a Dios y escupira mi nombre, soy una mujer seductura y violenta, no podras resistir mi mirada pues la sangre de los malditos encontro en mi su origen, sólo podras amarme y para alejarte tendras que morir. Lilith
Do you wish to know about me? Know me for who I am, for what I have done. Ask God, and He will spit out my name. I am a seductive and violent woman. You will not be able to resist my gaze, for the blood of the damned found its origin in me. You will only be able to love me, and to distance yourself, you will have to die. Lilith.