When life arrives at your doorstep, the choices are few. The steps we take, make us who we are. But to know when we are there, is a process of knowing oneself, and then maybe, recognizing another, in time.

An immigrant, and an artist interested in fostering social change, is an unsettling identity. Hyper-vigilent about the changing socio-political atmosphere, with versions of the truth, leaves me with growing confusion. As a product of globalization, with the United States being my 5th country of residence, and my longest stay of anywhere - this is home. Multiple generations of education, hard work, understanding of world economics, and confidently chasing dreams, has brought me here.

In a country where the forefathers had conquered to provide their people with land to cultivate, and the promise of peace, a feather mattress lies in a field. Here flowers grow and bees visit, as do the spirits from the other world, and this. An oasis of vast freedom. This was the moment captured in a surge of rebellion.

This exhibit was a spontaneous making during a traveling workshop, Healing for Healers, 2023. A group of 5 disparate artists visited Miami Art Week to experience from each others' perspective. Graffiti helped us find this lost corner of our environment. A forgotten overgrown corner, behind the ‘latest’ redeveloped residential building, waiting to reap its value. This unfamiliar pause, in an expansive green space, fed by a sense of adventure emboldened the crossing of what was another’s threshold.

As I lay there exposed to the elements, considering my needs for safety and comfort, I felt held in the warmth of the sun. It was when the fear of darkness bat my eyelids open, that I noticed the stick that lay beside. The scene seemed prepared, with needs within reach. Even Minnie to reflect play and exploration. It was only when we were ushered back over to our group, did we learn that the owner had been anxiously watching us from across the field.

The flood of emotions silenced me, before sending me on a journey of answering the questions around my arrival to that moment. Crossing my own boundaries in service to curiosity, felt indulgent. I had violated another’s safe space and remained safe.

Flitting through images as frequently as we do today, leaves so much left unseen. What of the experiences?