Edges of the Ephemeral, 2012
This work explores Navajo creation stories and belief systems that deal with the idea of multiple worlds. It was originally created as part of the 2012 exhibition titled Time—a statewide project presented by the Museum of Contemporary Native Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Some believe that we are currently in the 4th world, others think we are in the 5th, while others still say this is the end, and some say there is more to come.
This large wooden spiral structure stands at about 20 feet in diameter. The viewer enters the spiral and walks through to the core. The language presented at the beginning of this journey conveys a more negative tone; as the viewer continues, the message becomes more neutral; and then, as they reach the center of the spiral, the message is full of hope and optimism.
Tsouhlarakis employs the template of parking and safety signage that are both familiar and authoritative. The text on the signage was inspired by a project where the artist used social media to ask questions of her Navajo community on their thoughts on where we are in the Navajo cycle of worlds. She received 60 responses, many of which were incorporated into this immersive work. Through this process, Tsouhlarakis realized that members of Native communities wanted to contribute, and they wanted to be heard.
Anna Tsouhlarakis is one of the featured artists in the 2025 Trail Mix series, part of Breck Create’s signature annual festival—BIFA. Trail Mix blends art and nature along scenic Breckenridge trails, where hikers and bikers encounter site-specific installations in the wild.
Aug 15-24 • All Day • Iowa Hill Trail
This installation is available for self-guided exploration throughout the festival for those who prefer to experience the trail on their own.
Saturday, Aug 16th • 5PM • Old Masonic Hall
Sunday, Aug 17th • 10AM-12PM • Iowa Hill Trail
Anna Tsouhlarakis received her BA from Dartmouth College with degrees in Native American Studies and Studio Art. She went on to receive her MFA from Yale University in Sculpture. Tsouhlarakis has participated in various art residencies including Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Yaddo, MacDowell, and was the Andrew W. Mellon Artist-in-Residence at Colorado College for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Tsouhlarakis’s work has been part of national and international exhibitions at venues such as NEON Foundation in Athens, Greece; White Frame in Basel, Switzerland; Rush Arts in New York; the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto; the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts; the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art; the National Museum of the American Indian; the National Portrait Gallery; MCA Denver; and a recent solo presentation with Tilton Gallery at the Independent Art Fair in New York.
She is a Creative Capital Award recipient for 2021. Other awards include fellowships from the Harpo Foundation, the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award, and most recently, a SOURCE Studio Corrina Mehiel Fellowship and a Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship.
Tsouhlarakis is Greek, Creek, and an enrolled citizen of the Navajo Nation. She is Assistant Professor, Art Practices and Director, Foundations Arts Program at CU Boulder.
