“Phoenix Art Museum Presents 25,000 Paper Moths and Butterflies in Engaging Installation”

# **Carlos Amorales’ *Black Cloud*: A Touching Farewell Through Art**

Mexican creative [Carlos Amorales](https://estudioamorales.com/) has mesmerized audiences globally with his stirring installations, and *Black Cloud* is recognized as one of his most impactful compositions. This stunning display, currently showcased at the [Phoenix Art Museum](https://phxart.org/), comprises 25,000 intricately crafted black paper moths and butterflies flitting along walls and ceilings, offering an immersive visual experience that is both eerie and breathtaking.

## **A Personal Tribute and a Symbolic Journey**
Amorales designed *Black Cloud* as a representation of sorrow and remembrance, drawing inspiration from his last encounter with his grandmother. The image of countless moths enveloping expansive areas materialized in his mind one memorable night, prompting him to create the installation as a deep artistic goodbye.

“I was aware that my visit would be the last time that I would see her alive,” Amorales conveyed in an *[fluoro](https://www.fluoro.life/2014/04/carlos-amorales-creating-fantasy/)* interview. This poignant realization catalyzed the idea of *Black Cloud*, and while he initially didn’t grasp its symbolic significance, the vision unfolded naturally, reflecting the unpredictable and instinctual essence of grief itself.

## **Art Imitating Nature**
The fluttering black paper moths and butterflies allude to the annual journey of monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico, linking personal recollection with a larger natural event. This interplay illustrates Amorales’ talent for merging individual sentiment with shared experiences, allowing *Black Cloud* to resonate beyond its personal roots.

By positioning the paper insects as organically as possible, Amorales crafts a lifelike illusion—viewers can nearly believe the moths have gracefully landed on the museum’s surfaces. This sense of movement and vitality highlights a paradox at the core of the installation. The artwork symbolizes loss and impermanence, yet it simultaneously inspires a feeling of continuity, much like the unending cycles of nature.

## **Beauty and Melancholy in One**
*Black Cloud* evokes a spectrum of emotions—viewers are enchanted by its elaborate beauty while also experiencing a persistent sadness in its overwhelming display. The installation prompts individuals to face the transient essence of life, love, and memory. While the mass of moths embodies darkness and parting, it also serves as a lyrical tribute to the enduring influence of those who have departed.

This intertwining of joy and sorrow is especially profound in Amorales’ artistry. Just as butterflies symbolize transformation and rebirth, he reminds us that farewell is never merely an ending but also a new beginning.

## **A Lasting Impression at the Phoenix Art Museum**
Situated within the Phoenix Art Museum, *Black Cloud* immerses guests in an experience that leaves an unforgettable mark. Those entering the hallways find themselves enveloped by thousands of fragile silhouettes, a significant yet delicate homage to memory and time.

Eugene Kim, editor-in-chief of *My Modern Met*, shared his impressions:
*”Entering the corridors of Phoenix Art Museum, one of my personal favorite spaces, it was the first artwork that caught my eye. I stood there in wonder, pondering how many butterflies adorned the walls and ceiling, and the time it must have taken to assemble and dismantle. It appeared incredible, with each butterfly carefully arranged, a testament to Amorales’ commitment and mastery of his craft.”*

For anyone in search of an artistic experience that intertwines emotion, artistry, and rich symbolism, *Black Cloud* is an essential encounter.

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## **Exhibition Information**
**Carlos Amorales: *Black Cloud***
📅 **Opening Date:** January 17, 2025 – Ongoing
📍 **Location:** Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
🔗 [Visit Phoenix Art Museum](https://phxart.org/)

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## **About the Artist**
🔗 **[Carlos Amorales’ Official Website](https://estudioamorales.com/)**
📸 **[Carlos Amorales on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/carlos_amorales_/)**

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*My Modern Met has been granted permission to feature photos from the Phoenix Art Museum.*