Yana Schnitzler
HUMAN KINETICS
TALES OF A PHOENIX : The Letting Go Project 2020 - ongoing
THE ART CENTER HIGHLAND PARK, CHICAGO 2022
A visual art exhibition and durational performance, Tales of a Phoenix: The Letting Go Project harnesses the power of ritual to bring women together from across the world in
a unified release of old patterns that no longer serve their personal growth.
THE ART CENTER HIGHLAND PARK, CHICAGO 2022
Over the past four years, women contributed pieces of fabric inscribed with their intentions what they wish to let go of. In a series of meditative performances, Schnitzler stitched these testimonies together into a room-filling skirt, representing the global collective feminine voice. With pieces from over sixty different countries and states, the work creates a tapestry of personal stories from all walks of life and cultures, offering a glimpse of where women stand with the struggles they face.
THE ART CENTER HIGHLAND PARK, CHICAGO 2022
During an initial seven-week run at the Chashama storefront gallery in Manhattan's Garment District, Schnitzler created the room-size skirt. Female onlookers were invited to participate by sharing their desires for release on a provided piece of fabric that was added to the performance project. As the garment grew over time, it emerged as a sea of fabric filling the entire space.
THE ART CENTER HIGHLAND PARK, CHICAGO 2022
The work has subsequently toured to exhibitions at The Art Center Highland Park, Chicago, IL; Times Square, NYC; Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Brooklyn, NY; Empire Outlets and 28th Annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, NYC, among others.
THE ART CENTER HIGHLAND PARK, CHICAGO 2022
Growing with each exhibition as more and more women participate, Tales of a Phoenix: The Letting Go Project will continue to tour across the US and Europe leading up to its culminating event: A ritualistic performance, where Schnitzler wears the skirt, followed by
its public destruction. A powerful symbol of release and letting go, the concluding event
is currently scheduled for fall 2024.
Tales of a Phoenix: The Letting Go Project is made possible, in part, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Further support was provided by Chashama, Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Grove34 and The Feminist Art Project.
