Carla Adams: Chovihani

In this exhibition, Carla Adams takes us on a journey into the magical and mystical. Raised by her Romani Gypsy grandmother, Carla’s upbringing was shaped by Romani cultural practices and folklore.

Chovihani is a gypsy term for those possessed of great power through their knowledge of magic. It is also the name for the many charms and talismans the Romani create to maintain good luck. For the show, Carla has created a series of watercolours and sculptures that depict these charms and enchanting gypsy myths. These artworks give form to ancient narratives, stories that reveal humanity’s constant search to define the inexplicable.

Over the past decade Carla has exhibited regularly and her work is held in important collections including the Cruther’s Collection of Women’s Art, the City of Fremantle Collection, Curtin University Art Collection and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Selected works are below. Download the exhibition catalogue here, which includes a selection of folklore texts.