5izzin
creative works by izz(i) niewiadomski
The Chrysalis
The Chrysalis is an interactive art installation space in a wooden geodesic dome that walks participants through an inner transformational journey, based on the life cycle of the butterfly. Its design represents an enclosed chrysalis a caterpillar enters to undergo metamorphosis.
Participants enter the dome, and are met by an altar honoring Transformation as the focal point inside. There are dishes of sacred dried herbs, battery-powered candles, and bouquets of seasonal flowers that assist with change.
To the left of the altar, is the Caterpillar, and to the right is the Butterfly.
The installation has a flow from left to right, with written signs gently guiding the person (or small group) through the experience.
Process
Caterpillar Side
Butterfly Side
Book and Free Keepsake
On the leftmost side, there are blank slips of paper and pens.
Each participant is guided to take two slips of paper.
On the first, they write their response to the question:
What are you letting go of?
Then, they release it into the container in front of the Caterpillar.
Participants take their second paper slip and respond to the question:
What are you transforming into?
Then, they leave it in the container in front of the Butterfly.
At the end, there is a book with blank paper for people to draw or write reflections in if they feel called.
Each participant also gets the opportunity to select a free butterfly object from a box to keep as a memory of their experience.
The items in this box were generously donated from the 2017 Guinness World Record's “World’s Largest Collection of Butterfly-Related Items."
Book and Free Keepsake
Gallery
Memorial and Celebration
The Story
Guiding Vision
Inspired by the wisdom present in the life cycle of the butterfly, this space honors past states of being and welcomes in new ones.
The caterpillar must go into a solitary, dark, deathlike state, shedding its old body and limitations, in order to emerge as a whole new being, while maintaining the same essence.
Change is inevitable.
Through choosing to transform our pain, we evolve.
The butterfly’s visible wisdom guides all those experiencing grief.
Memorial to Xavier Tan
This installation is dedicated to Xavier Tan (October 13th, 2001 - July 3rd 2022).
This installation was created as a result of working with the immense grief of the loss of cousin Xavier's life, and to honor his time on Earth and the transitions inherent to all living processes.
Xavier is was 18 years old when he was diagnosed with a rare and highly aggressive form of terminal brain cancer —a high grade glioma.
His courageous and kind-hearted spirit is carried on through the expansive community of people he impacted during his short life, through his fight with DIPG brain cancer, and now in his legacy as a beloved ancestor.
Made possible by donations from the collection of Stevanne Auerbach
This installation was made with repurposed objects from the 2017 Guinness World Record’s “World’s Largest Collection of Butterfly-Related Items.” A portion of this collection was donated to us by the late Stevanne Auerbach, aka “Dr. Toy.” We are very grateful for this gift and we celebrate her decades of advocacy on behalf of butterflies.
To support research for a cure for pediatric cancer:
https://www.thecurestartsnow.org/
Xavier's page:
Forms
Physical Format
This physical installation has been evolving since its genesis in 2022.
It has traveled to various festivals, cooperative events, and venues throughout California.
Digital Formats
New Art City
Topia
Media
Design Science Studio's
Limited Edition 'Making the Invisible Visible' Publication
This extensive zine, featuring The Chrysalis, was created for the 2026 Fuller Futures Festival at SIU in Carbondale, Illinois.
