THE AGE OF CEREMONY | Exhibition Opening

In the organizer's words:

The Age of Ceremony is a duo exhibition by Berlin-based artists Vasil Berela and Jana Jacob, presented at Galerie Sara Lily Perez from 2 May through 7 June 2025. The exhibition brings together two distinct artistic practices, each deeply concerned with the expressive potential of the human form and its role in exploring themes of identity, vulnerability, and transformation. In an era shaped by disconnection and hyper-visibility, The Age of Ceremony seeks to honor the quiet, personal rituals of being, intimate moments of self-reflection, emotional unraveling and private acts of presence. Together, Berela and Jacob create a space where physical form becomes a vessel for psychological and existential inquiry. Though differing in medium and technique, both artists share a profound interest in the human form and its ability to convey what words cannot. Jacob’s paintings offer an intimate glimpse into personal, often unspoken states of emotion, while Berela’s sculptures address the ephemeral and universal nature of human existence. This exhibition invites visitors to slow down, to reflect, and to experience the quiet, often invisible ceremonies that define our lives.

Vasil Berela (b. 1986, Georgia) 

Berela’s multidisciplinary practice delves into themes of human emotion, alienation, and the fragility of existence. Initially studying architecture at the State Academy of Arts in Tbilisi (2003–2004), he later pursued fine arts at Berlin's Weißensee Kunsthochschule (2015–2021). Since 2022, Berela has been teaching sculpture at the same institution. His work often portrays the human body as a biomass within geometric, inorganic environments, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. His work has been exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions across Berlin and internationally.

Jana Jacob (b. 1982, Germany) 

Jacob’s practice explores intimacy, identity, and the human experience through meticulously rendered portraits. Often depicting nudes in domestic settings, she emphasizes the universality and vulnerability of the human figure, inviting a deeper emotional connection beyond societal constructs. In recent years, Jacob has turned to self-portraiture, incorporating household objects and traditional Thai textiles to examine the intersection of personal history and contemporary identity. Through this synthesis, her work navigates themes of heritage, memory, and the fluidity of cultural expression.

RSVP here.