Meanwhile the world goes on

From the moment we are born into the world, we are already molded by expectations and rules to fit ourselves into. It's as if the very purpose and meaning of life have been predetermined and the only way forward is to follow the path; to be good and do good. However, trying to be good is a self-restricting act. To constantly be on our toes and hold up a mirror for judgment. To constantly push ourselves to be better, do better and then ruminate if that's good enough. In the pursuit of our perceived fulfillment, we become alienated.

What eases this burden is to engage with life in another way: allowing things to take shape by itself. Wandering. Discovering. Exploring. In Poeleen Alvarez’s first solo exhibition, the artist encourages us to partake in her works with a sense of curiosity and wonder. She chooses a more intuitive approach to creating and making, by bringing together random elements, mediums and textures and allowing them to interact with each other. To anticipate what might emerge out of it. The process mirrors how she chooses to respond to life – to release the need for an end goal.

For what can be more freeing than to create for its sake? To do what you love because it gives you joy. To not have to be anything, except to be. “You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves”

Meanwhile, the world goes on. Let it be – life is calling you to participate differently.

Text by Danna Espinosa