2020 Project

While some prefer to forget the feelings that the year 2020 invoked, I think of the experience as an awakening. Sure, there were unimaginable challenges, but it was also a time of self-discovery for me. The lockdown and isolation forced me to slow down and do some much-needed introspection. During that reflection, my imagination was unlocked like never before. My creativity flourished, unleashing my improvisational skills and artistic talents in fascinating new ways. Not having a studio to paint large pieces, my perspective shifted—literally and figuratively. I picked up my paintbrush and began creating small paintings. Not on canvas, but on paper. My pieces were devoid of any color preference or formal style. I let my mood guide my brush. Its fluidity echoed the unpredictability of the events unfolding around me. While painting almost daily, sometimes for hours at a time — the state of the world, our purpose as humans, and our faltering environment invaded my thoughts. By the end of the year, my space was covered in hundreds of small paintings. I didn't know what to do with them, but I knew I wanted them displayed. After seeing all the works together, I realized how much my feelings truly reflected the year. From disconnection to imperfection to uncertainty, the body of work surmises what 2020 meant for many people, me included. Again, discovery was paramount during this process. I learned I could look at myself by separating my consciousness from the body. I also realized that painting is akin to falling in love – you can't choose whom you fall for; you just go where your heart leads. The year 2020 was a trying and unforgettable moment in time that brought an immense amount of clarity. For that, I am grateful and excited about the future.