Dancing Leaf Spirits is a site-specific installation of leaves and other materials gathered from the local SoCal region (including whirlybird seed pods from around the WVTC’s turtle pond) that are embellished with metallic-leaf, then pinned upon the wall in a style reminiscent of mandalas. The ancient geometric patterns were used by various spiritual traditions as a tool that helped focus the mind for the art of meditation and also acted as a divine map of the cosmos.

In this day and age, there are so many ways we are disconnected from the natural environment. By creating these inspiring geometric patterns and using leaves from the surrounding region, Jenn aims to re-establish a connection between the natural world, the gallery space, and the viewer. Despite its meager size, the complex structure of a leaf is a thing of beauty in and of itself. It inspires many meanings and possibilities. Even in death, the dried form is intimately connected with life. As part of nature’s sublime cycle, it will return to the earth via decomposition to feed other forms of life. The addition of metallic-leaf on the leaves (a knowing pun) reminds the viewer of nature’s divinity and echoes the use of precious metals in holy items throughout cultures.

“I encourage and invite viewers to develop a unique relationship with the mandalas, whatever form that may take. Whether one slows down to admire the details or has a quick moment to take a selfie, each possesses its own particular merits in this context as both are reinserting themselves into a symbolic reconnection with and appreciation of nature.”

Jason Jenn is an interdisciplinary multimedia artist. His works vary in roles as performer, writer, visual artist, director, producer, designer, curator, and video editor. He creates for exhibition on stage, on screen, on the page, in galleries, and at site-specific locations. Discover more at JasonJenn.com.