Ilka Lemos’ first impression of Lilith arose from the estrangement with Anselm Kiefer’s artwork (“Lilith”, 1987-9), in which the artist compares the mythological figure to the city of São Paulo. She was revolted by his audacious statement, much of which contrasted drastically with the normative way she had been raised.

Lilith was red, hellish; symbol of sin. In delving deeper into the Kabbalistic narrative, Ilka understood and found herself in the strength of the first woman who denied being treated inferiorly. She discovered Liliths in Adélia Prado, Carolina Maria de Jesus, Cecília Meireles, Cora Coralina, Conceição Evaristo Costa, Clarice Lispector and Pagu and continues to find resistance in many other women who seek to fight patriarchal impositions. Lilith's portrait continues to be essential in structuring the artist's investigations and research.