This installation was created for Illumination Chicago 2022. Comprised of sheer layered panels of fabric with over 10,000 jewel beetle wings attached, the space celebrates the unique iridescence and stunning beauty of this seemingly small and humble creature.
The jewel beetle wings were collected after the beetles had passed naturally.
Beetles have a dual symbolism within many cultures, representing both light and darkness. They can symbolize resilience, change, and self-discovery or darkness, death, and disease. We all contain multitudes, and we must choose what to nurture within ourselves.
Cocooned within the installation, each guest was invited to consider what they would like to cultivate and encourage in their life. They each named an intention for themself, then selected natural items that fit that intention. Some options were : pink salt for love, black pepper to banish negativity, clove for prosperity, and bark for resilience. The items were then layered into an intention vial.
