One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. Shadow work is the path of the heart warrior.
Carl Jung
The “Shadow Works” show was a production of Side Hustle Dance Project that explored the negative aspects of the psyche’s shadow side and the light that understanding can offer. The dancer, Elise Williams, was dancing across a canvas-covered stage while paint was poured onto her and a monologue ran in the background of her talking about her personal history of being a white African and her experience of living in the United States.
Following her performance, we took the canvas and selected multiple images from it to create unique works of art: Each one representing the beauty that can come from understanding and consciously integrating our personal and collective shadow sides. Please enjoy the dance below and feel free to go through the reflection questions and the beautiful art work that follows. This installation is currently in the Midvale Main Art House in Midvale, Utah for patrons to experience and reflect on.
Reflection Questions
Was there any particular part of Elise’s monologue that stood out for you?
What does it mean to “deserve to be here?”
What privileges do you hold that you might not have considered before?
Do you believe in the goodness of humanity?
How do you wish things were different?
As you look at the art pieces, which ones stand out and why?
How does this art experience leave you feeling?