US · International contemporary art platformFrom August 29 through September 6, 2026, MASS Gallery in Austin, Texas, hosted Leah Danze’s exhibition 'In the Belly of the Beetle.' The show opened with a live activation on August 29, where Danze collaborated with artist and musician Terri Mash, who created a large three-legged wooden sculpture-instrument for the gallery. Guest musician and dancers Aída Reyes, Hamidreza Fallahi, and Plumegirl also participated, contributing to the realization of the exhibition’s collective monster concept.
Danze’s installation transformed the gallery into an uncanny insect universe, using light, music, and dance to immerse visitors. The environment was designed to evoke both revulsion and amazement, prompting viewers to reflect on the boundaries and expansiveness of human experience.
A central feature of the exhibition was the hundreds of tiny bells sewn around a main panel. These bells, intended to mimic the sound of cicadas, were collectively attached by Danze and her collaborators during group sessions in the artist’s studio. This process highlighted the importance of communal effort in the creation of the work.
For Danze, collectivity is not just a theme but an essential practice. Her works require group participation and are only completed when activated by a collective, emphasizing the social dimension of her artistic approach.
The exhibition at MASS Gallery offered a multisensory experience that combined visual art, sound, and performance. It underscored the collaborative nature of Danze’s process and invited audiences to engage in a shared artistic encounter.
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