Cibrián is honored to present The Giants of the Circle & The Birds of Circus, The Hawk Looks Out with The Golden Eagle, Adult & Juvenile, the second solo exhibition by Susan Cianciolo at the gallery.
The exhibition draws inspiration from Cianciolo’s recent stay in the Basque Country, where she witnessed a traditional parade featuring giants and bigheads—figures deeply rooted in local folklore. In response, she has created garments inspired by these towering forms, which will come to life in a performance on opening night. Each dress is composed of layered elements, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the folds of these flowing textiles.
Over the past few months, Cianciolo has carried these large pieces with her as she traveled. Now marked by this journey, the garments reflect moments of lived experience—worn, transformed, and storied. The opening performance sets the tone for the exhibition. Straddling the line between poetry and prayer, it evokes some of the most intimate—yet universal—questions. Simply reminding us of these questions is a gift—one that Cianciolo continually brings to life in her work.
The exhibition unfolds as a mise en scène, echoing the cadence of performance. Cianciolo creates an earthly realm for the giants to inhabit, where structure and spontaneity collide. At the back of the space, a circular tapestry forms a gathering place. The textile evokes tablecloths for shared meals, moments of play, and a portal to other dimensions.
Throughout the show, the boundary between human and animal remains fluid. Costumes are adorned with large feathers, and hybrid creatures move through the exhibition. Drawing from the animal world, Cianciolo channels a creative force rooted in instinct and transformation. Animals emerge as messengers—carriers of insight within a holistic creative vision.
This new body of work deepens the interplay between intention and chance, presence and transformation. Punctuated by archival elements, Susan Cianciolo’s practice interweaves memory, spiritual gesture, and collective making.
Coinciding with the exhibition is the release of In the Sunset – There Is Life – It Shines on Us – È stata la mano di Dio, a new publication by Susan Cianciolo (Ed. Nieves, 2025, in collaboration with Cibrián and Bridget Donahue). Available at the gallery, the book includes costumes, installation concepts, and an insert of the script that will be recited during the opening night performance.
