The Zone of Authenticity
"The Zone of Authenticity" is an interactive, immersive art installation by Whitney Dawn Pyles. It was originally created in 2023 for international art competition, ArtPrize, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It tied for first place as a Juried Winner in the Installation category.
In the 3+ weeks it was on display in front of Bigbee Coffee in downtown Grand Rapids, hundreds, likely thousands of people engaged with it. Dance parties were hosted, lunch breaks were joyfully disrupted, and people of all ages and backgrounds came together. My hope is that the magic and medicine continues within and in service to any community that it finds its way to.
Introduction to "The Zone"
"The Zone of Authenticity" is a celebration of humanity, tenderness, wildness, and truth. It is a love letter to our inner children. It is a rebellion against shame and performance. It is a wish for connectedness, togetherness, and mutual care and an invitation to let ourselves be seen and held. It is a space for honest expression, joyful weirdness, and radical self-acceptance.
The job here is enjoyment.
The invitation is to presence, empathy, and inner truth.
Come in and bloom awhile because we all deserve spaces to be who we are.
Original Artist Statement
Who we should or shouldn’t be is often dictated
by our families, religions institutions,
schools, social media & society.
We deeply desire to be seen
& loved for who we are
but we have learned
that it’s neither
safe nor wise.
The Zone of Authenticity
is a space for our truest
selves; for small truths & pleasures
that can lead to deep self-love.
When we find the courage & community
that allow us to dance, speak, sing,
emote & be who we are,
we unravel perfectionism & deconstruct fear.
When we allow our true selves to
be seen we change the world.
A Note on Inspiration & Gratitude:
This piece would not be possible without my community and the courageous humans I interact with through my work as a Somatic Coach, Human Design Guide & Mindful Movement/Ecstatic Dance facilitator. It is deeply inspired by their radical authenticity, warmth, and compassion.
I have the privilege of witnessing something sacred in others… The best way I can describe it is as a moment of softening. Remembering. The moment when someone realizes, maybe for the first time, that they are worthy. Of empathy. Of their own love. Worthy of being witnessed exactly as they are. They realize that what our broken system and society has called their “flaws” or “too muchness” might actually be the seat of their power, strength, and beauty. They recognize that the deepest wisdom is within them, not “out there.” They embrace play and creative expression as birthrights. They can finally say to themselves, “I am already whole. I always have been.”
"The Zone of Authenticity" is a physical manifestation of those moments. It is a celebration, a love letter, a rebellion a wish, and an invitation. It is a space for honest expression, joyful weirdness, and radical self-acceptance.
If you are interested in having "The Zone of Authenticity" at an upcoming event, festival, retreat, community gathering, business function, etc., please fill out the form linked below.