I spent the last week roaming the web looking for inspiration and guidance, both in life and art. I discovered and lingered in content that spoke to me about our existence. My tone might sound a bit apocalyptic. Still, all this ‘digital life’ in lockdown is shaking my foundations leaving me –and maybe you as well – with a sense of being disconnected from reality. I found some positive vibes in reading and looking at images on the internet. I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and a 2019 interview by Andrew Goldstein with Emmanuel Perrotin. I looked at some shots on Princess Cheeto and at the posters designed for 2020Solidarity crowdfunding project.
The Alchemist, probably the simplest yet most inspiring book I have ever read, narrates the adventures of Santiago, a young shepherd who chooses to follow his dream. The main character is a human being who, like all of us, has fears and doubts. He questions ordinary things such as animals, the world, and his dreams. Fascinatingly, there seems to be always at least one moment in the story when the reader identifies herself with the shepherd. The book unveils how Santiago finds inspiration and determination to pursue his dream after every difficulty that appears in his path. This is an inspirational fable which helps to keep the light up in this dark time.
In what seems to be the factual world, I got absorbed in the reading of an interview with the French art dealer Emmanuel Perrotin, published on Artnet last June. Did you know he began working at an art gallery at the age of 17? Surely those were different times, but I really liked that he did not become one of the most prominent art dealers in the world overnight. The gallerist talked of how, in order to slowly establish his legacy, he spent many years taking the risk to nurture and represent young artists. Perrotin led his battles with victories and failures precisely like the majority of people.
Still, in my addictive browsing activity, I found some rest from my COVID-19 anxieties on @princesscheeto, an Instagram profile and website about cats. Here a creative photographer expresses her talent by shooting her furry pets in colourful yet improbable sets. The style is of fashion photography and shows a good knowledge of editing. You can find a snooty cat, a cat-ice-cream sandwich, sailor cats, a wizard-cat and so on. Leaving a smile on my face, these joyful pictures reminded me that you can be creative even when showing your skills and talent. Thumb down to boredom and let’s cheer up with creativity and colours in this harsh time of confinement!
Differently, it was through Art Basel LinkedIn page that I read of 2020Solidarity, a funding project launched by Between Bridges foundation. The idea attracted over fifty artists who came together to design an A2-size poster each. The participant list includes Anne Imhof, Mark Leckey, Seth Price, and BB’s initiator Wolfgang Tillmans among other international names. Their creations are being offered to those cultural organisations in need of financial support which, then, will offer them as rewards for a 50€ / £50 / $50 donation. 2020Solidarity represents a small yet real way for artists to help organisations whose mission is primarily to support artists. The cultural ecosystem has evolved during the pandemic. In fact, both parts, artists and organisations, can be supported or supporters interchangeably.
This week I benefitted from lots of different stimuli finding relief in literature, art, and social initiatives. They reminded me that the world is still full of hope, dreams, creativity and, above all, human beings ready to stand-up in support of each other and their values.
