The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night

The High Line, New York, 2025

For the High Line, Shani presents The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night, a series of three candlesticks, a recurring motif in her work. Each almost cartoon-like candlestick is rendered here in urethane resin with a glass flame that glows at night. For Shani, whose work often explores themes of spirituality, mortality, and mythology, the candle holds many meanings. It can represent a vigil or memorial, while also symbolizing hope and healing. Candlesticks such as those depicted in The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night also have links to manifestation, the occult, and witchcraft, all of which have become often closely associated with fourth-wave feminism—subjects that permeate the artist’s practice. Though melting candles often represent the passage of time, The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night stays forever lit, paused on the High Line—a respite where one loses sense of time and space.

Lead support for High Line Art comes from Amanda and Don Mullen. Major support is provided by Shelley Fox Aarons and Philip E. Aarons, The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston, and Charina Endowment Fund.