I deliberately chose the title of my exhibition because, for me, myths are not only legendary traditions written as symbolic narratives, such as in fairy tales and poetry, but they are also cultural and historical roots. These myths enrich my life and inspire me.

Hans Christian Andersen's artistic fairy tale metamorphoses, such as The Flying Dutchman, and Rilke's poetry and myths become artistic interpretations for my current creative process.

I chose Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales because I find them deeply human, such as the fairy tale The Little Match Girl. Re-engaging with Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales as an adult is like taking a little trip back in time to my own childhood. The fairy tale ‘The Wild Swans’ is also such a journey. I also discover this metamorphosis symbolically in my own life, and this reflection is wonderful.

From the marvellous, I come to poetry and especially to a great poet: the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke inspires me, especially The Panther and The Unicorn, as it reveals, like a fable, the human condition in constant inner struggle with the unconscious. Rilke's panther embodies the existential imprisonment of modern man, who loses his freedom and vitality through civilisation, routine and inner limitations.

Rilke's unicorn, in contrast, is described as a mystical, shape-shifting creature that cannot be forced into any human mould; it comes from another magical world.

For me, the panther and the unicorn are like two inner souls, both embodying opposing qualities: the unicorn the good, beautiful and just, and the panther the bad, unjust, imprisoned and warlike.

The same is true of the forces of nature. When we consider the weather throughout the seasons, such as sun, thunderstorms, rain, storms... For me, the tides of the seasons are like the tides of the soul.

For me, reason prevails over the soul. It guides everything towards the good, the right, the happy, and in the best case connects with the universe. This is also called transcendental destiny. RILKE wrote: ‘You see that I am a seeker.’

My engagement with Rilke and Andersen led me to my artistic visual language.

Andersen's fairy tales and Rilke's poetry transport me back to my childhood, and I view them like a game of glass beads in the sunlight.

Perhaps my exhibition will inspire you and show you that the best stories are not those that tell us who we are, but those that show us who we could become through imagination and mystery.

Tom Schell