Chrysalis, 2023

Chrysalis is an installation of a series of projection sculptures based on the beautiful nests of tent caterpillars. One of my earliest memories is of holding a tent caterpillar in my hand at around age three and asking my mother if caterpillars have a soul. I was fascinated by their gorgeous nests and by the process of transformation unfolding inside them. Chrysalis is a deep dive into answering the broader question contained within my childhood sense of marvel, and an examination of the strange sacredness of living things. It also revels in how all things are intertwined and hopes to expose the idea of singularity as a paradox. Seventy years after that original question I'm also fascinated by the possibility of emerging from one state of being into another. Or of merging, if emerging is not what's next.

The sculptures in the installation are constructed of branches and agricultural netting. Video imagery, using creative code to manipulate footage of movement artists, as well as scientific imagery, draws from the replicating forms of nature (generativity) to illuminate the Chrysalises. Video projections mapped onto layered scrim in the sculptures further multiply the imagery beyond the digital manipulations. Additional objects compliment the video sculptures. 

Location/s: Oregon Contemporary Art Center
Live performance: Laura Cannon 
Performers: Performers: Jaleesa Johnston, Sophia Wright Emigh, Min Yoon, Lisa and Juju Kusanagi
Media/Details: Media: Tree branches, transparent projection scrim, ivy vines, projection mapping, creative coding, immersive sound installation, live performance, 35’ x 24’ x 22’H

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