In the realm of contemporary art, installations have emerged as a powerful medium for conveying complex ideas and emotions, inviting viewers to step into an immersive experience that transcends the conventional boundaries of art appreciation. Among these innovative expressions stands a particularly piece, “The Beast’s Cage,” an installation that is not only a feast for the senses but also a profound journey into the self.
The Physical Embodiment of the Ego
At the heart of “The Beast’s Cage” lies an intricate assembly of 240 glass horns, meticulously arranged around a central meditation platform to form a cage engulfed in flames. This choice of materials and configuration is no accident; glass, with its inherent fragility and clarity, symbolizes the delicate yet visible barriers we erect in our minds. The fire, on the other hand, represents the primal energy within us, often misconstrued as destructive, but here reimagined as a source of purification and renewal. Just like the Phoenix, may we arise from our ashes and be reborn from the shedding of our egos.
The invitation to climb and ascend to the center of this fiery cage is a metaphor for the introspective journey one must undertake to raise their energies to a higher frequency. Our resonance guides our experiences and through raising our vibrations, we gain self awareness and understand. The perspective in which we see life changes giving us insight into ourselves. We may transcend the limitations imposed by the ego, which is often perceived as a protective entity, is depicted here as the very cage that confines us. A reminder of the self-imposed barriers to our growth and happiness.
The Seven Main Chakras
The selection of colors for the glass horns is a deliberate homage to the chakra system, a concept deeply rooted in ancient wisdom that aligns specific energy centers with various aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Beginning with the base of the installation, the red horns resonate with the root chakra, symbolizing our foundational sense of security and survival. Engaging with this rooted energy point, one might confront emotions related to fear and stability, embarking on a journey towards feeling more grounded and secure in their existence.
As we ascend, the next layer of orange horns corresponds to the sacral chakra, the center of our creativity and sexual energy, where individuals might grapple with issues of pleasure, desire, and guilt. Dealing with these emotions can release our passion in creativity leading to a deeper connection with one’s emotions and the blossoming of expression.
Progressing upward, the yellow horns illuminate the solar plexus chakra, the wellspring of our personal power and self-confidence. Here, one might face challenges related to self-worth, shame, and power dynamics; emerging with enhanced self-assurance, confidence, and the ability to assert one’s will.
The heart chakra is represented by green horns, inviting a confrontation with emotions surrounding grief and compassion. Allowing that feeling to flow rather than weigh us down may fosters an opening of the heart, encouraging unconditional love and empathy.
The blue horns, aligning with the throat chakra, challenge individuals to express their truth and confront communication barriers, especially the lies we tell ourselves, leading to a life where personal expression is valued and upheld.
The indigo horns, associated with the third-eye chakra, a deeper introspection into intuition and wisdom, guiding participants towards clarity of thought and vision. We must first deal with the illusions in our lives to unveil the truth of reality. The third eye chakra is the seat of consciousness where the door to our inner selves may be opened.
Finally, the purple horns at the pinnacle represent the crown chakra, where a sense of spiritual connection and enlightenment is explored, culminating in a profound sense of unity with the universe and the realization of one’s highest self. Letting go of attachments that hold us hostage and allowing a full surrender into faith in our higher selves achieving unity. Through this chromatic journey, “The Beast’s Cage” not only mirrors the spectrum of human experience but also offers a pathway towards emotional and spiritual liberation.
A Moment of Presence and Surrender into Bliss
Once atop the installation, participants are encouraged to exit the realm of constant mental chatter and ground themselves in the present moment. This act of stilling the mind and tuning into the immediate sensory experiences—the sounds of the surrounding environment, the scent of the air, the warmth of the fire—is an exercise in mindfulness. Thereafter, we may turn the light within through laser sharp focus in meditation. Allowing our minds to still and reflect what we truly are–energy and light. It is in this state of heightened awareness and surrender that one can truly let go of anxiety and stress, making room for inner calm and joy–filling ourselves with love.
“The Beast’s Cage” is more than just a personal journey; it is a shared experience that unites participants in a collective moment of bliss. By encouraging individuals to leave behind their roles as mere observers and become part of the art itself, the installation fosters a sense of community and interconnectedness. We realize that we are each connected and affect one another, the only thing stopping this realization is our limited perspective. It is a vivid illustration of how art can break down barriers, not just within ourselves but also between us, allowing for a shared experience of transformation and healing. We are the creators in our lives and by turning this light within and shedding unnecessary weight, our minds may be freed from the fear instilling an ever present new bliss that radiates outwards touching the hearts of those around us. May we spread this joy to all those we come in contact with helping create a better world through each new present moment.
The Path to Healing and Freedom
The underlying message of “The Beast’s Cage” extends beyond the immediate experience of the installation. It serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of pain and suffering in our lives, much of which is self-inflicted through our lack of awareness and unwillingness to confront our inner demons. We often stuff our emotions and trauma deep inside only to suffocate ourselves. This results in further suffering and often creating pain within our lives and those around us. The piece challenges us to acknowledge the role of the ego in perpetuating our suffering and to take active steps towards healing and self-discovery. Through digging up that which we hold and setting it free, we become lighter allowing wisdom and growth to occur.
The installation is a call to action, urging us to break free from the generational cycles of trauma and conditioned behavior that bind us. It advocates for the creation of new neural pathways with each second we allow our minds to enter the moment, fostering a sense of calmness and ever new joy that remains unshaken by external circumstances. As Paramahansa Yogananda says, even through the crash of breaking worlds we can retain an inner state of calmness. The journey towards bliss, as “The Beast’s Cage” so eloquently illustrates, begins with a willingness to change our perception of the world and ourselves.
Through its compelling use of materials, symbolism, and interactivity, it invites us to reflect on the nature of our suffering and the path to true freedom. Everything we seek is inside of us, all we must do is turn that light within and find the presence of the love that always resides there. In doing so, it serves as a profound reminder of the power of art to inspire change, both within ourselves and in the world around us.
The Beasts Cage was installed during Love Burn 2024 at Sexy Beasts Theme Camp
