Empty Chrysalises celebrates the innovation and creativity of women artists in dialogue with the exhibition Bold Women. The idea of an empty chrysalis, the hard outer body left behind after a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, symbolizes a transition from life on the ground to life in the sky. This outdoor installation in Marvin Grove features four large chrysalises made from used and recycled everyday objects. The project expands on Bold Women’s themes of transformation and breaking societal constraints.
Visitors are invited to enter the installations and experience the light filtering through the chrysalises during the day, immersing themselves in the essence of transformation. At night, internal lighting makes the installations glow, enhancing their visual impact and illuminating the surrounding area. The installations encourage audiences to reflect on their own ideas of transformation and consider the journey toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
The installations were developed by students in Professor Tzu-Chieh Kurt Hong’s fall 2024 course ARCH509 Design Build Lab / ARCH510 Architectural Detailing in collaboration with Spencer Museum staff Trang Nguyen and Celka Straughn.
This exhibition is supported by KU’s School of Architecture & Design and Hamm Companies.
