The Art of contemplation
Getting lost in a modern art gallery amidst nature.
In an increasingly digital world, it is becoming harder to find moments for pause and contemplation. That is why, in this post, I want to champion the idea of taking a moment now and then for calm and reflection far from the immediacy of clicks, likes from our phones and social media. In the rapid rise of new flashy digital trends and devices, art remains still, solid, constant across time, inviting us to reflect and discover new perspectives.
Engaging with art while traveling is one of the best ways not only to discover a place but also to discover parts of yourself. I hadn't originally planned to visit this gallery, I have to admit I didn't even have any enthusiasm; but I eventually decided to go, and it turned out to be one of the best surprises and decisions ever made.
The painting that caught my eye the most was this one. At first glance, the images appear to be simple contrasting visuals: some plants, stars and horses. I would have spent perhaps two seconds on them before moving on. Fortunately, however, a men working at the gallery was able to explain the work it to us in greater detail.
At first glance, you would only see some plants, horses and starts, don’t you?
The piece was part of a room where all the artworks were interconnected; what might initially seem random reveals, upon closer inspection, a logical order or meaning that is easily missed at a quick glance. The contrasting images represent three stages of life:
the past, represented by living plants free from pollution or plastic
the future, an infinite cosmos of intrigue and mystery for us humans
the present, embodied by the strength and energy of horses.
"Why are the horses in the foreground?" a woman asked the gallerist while he was explaining the work. I was listening with attention, captivated by his passion and the way everything in the gallery ultimately made sense. His answer left me speechless: because the present is the only thing that truly exists right now. And how right he is.
With this post, dear traveler, I invite you to seek out moments of contemplation and reflection of the present moment beyond your mobile screen. Art and tangible, real-world experiences offer a wonderful opportunity to do just that.
A huge shout-out, too, to my anonymous gallerist friend with the lively blue eyes: you tell the story so much better than anyone else.