Kaia Selene

Kaia Selene is an American artist and activist whose work explores barriers to authenticity and connectivity erected by Western cultural norms. Her diverse practice primarily focusses on performance and has roots in Surrealist methods, Butoh, dreams and the otherworldly. Aimed at collective healing, it often involves aspects of magickal disciplines and either a spirit of defiant whimsy, or transformative ritual.

​

She employs various methods to both separate and connect viewers on a subversive level and uses a large array of media to enact complex inner visions, turning them into experiential moments. Her work is steered by these visions, rather than by media and bringing them to form requires constant experimentation and study.  Media used may include costuming, Butoh and dance, puppetry, sculpture, painting, music, writing and video. Many performances also include edible elements.

​​

Born in Taos, New Mexico, she is a second generation witch, child of poetess and musician Cathryn McCracken and rock climber musician Richard McCracken.​

 

Although primarily self taught, her dedicated creative practice has led her to a life of informal education that's spanned over 30 years and 20 cities. She's moved to become a mask maker, herbalist, Butoh dancer and gallery owner. She's currently based in Olympia, WA and owns Aeriefae: Faerie Food and Fashion.

​​

An interview regarding her performance art appears in Women of the Underground: Art: Cultural Innovators Speak for Themselves by Zora Von Burden.