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 share the idea of taking now and then a moment for calmness, far from the immediacy of clicks and likes from our phones. In the rapid rise of new flashy digital trends and devices, art remains still, solid, constant across time, inviting us to reflect and get to know 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; 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 was this one. At first glance, the images appear to be simple: some plants, stars and horses. I would have spent perhaps two seconds on them before moving on. Fortunately, however, a man working at the gallery was able to explain the work it to us in greater detail.
If you look closer you could reveal all the mystery behind each painting.
The piece was part of a room where all the artworks were interconnected to represent a part a message from the Universe, a logical order or meaning that could be easily missed at a first 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 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 his lively blue eyes; you tell the story so much better than anyone else.