Image by Michael Newsted. This image was not part of the exhibition, but it spoke to me. Michael captures the essence of life and gives life a voice through his photography.
When Gab Smith, the Executive Director at CAM Raleigh, invited me to attend the opening reception for Limited Visibility, I jumped at the opportunity. There is nothing I love more than going to a museum and staring at art for hours. I stand in awe at how an artist can interpret the world with the bristles of a brush or through the lens of a camera. Before I walked into CAM, I knew the art that peppered the walls would speak to my heart as each artist told the story of lives that have limited visibility.
The reception was everything I imagined it would be. Everyone was enjoying wine, talking with their chums, and mingling around the art. At one point, I did trip over the floor art installation. It was one of those moments when you are trying to be poised and the earth quickly humbles you. My pal Barton didn't judge and the artist didn't see me practically trample his work, so I was in the clear.
As I was soaking in each piece, I was struck by a raw reality. I thought to myself "Who did I ignore today? Was there someone who I refused to make eye contact with in fear I would be made to feel uncomfortable?" I am the type of person who loves and cares deeply for people, but there are times when I selfishly turn my head to someone's struggle and pain. My heart began to beat fast, thinking about how we consume our lives with what we want. We allow success, comparison, and greed to blind us to the reality of the world around us. We forget that everyone has a rich story, and everyone desires to be heard.
I encourage you today, this week, and this month to look into the eyes of someone who would otherwise be ignored. Try and understand the world around you and the beauty that lives in every soul on this planet. You don't have to save lives or sell all of your belongings. Just believe in someone else and validate them with a smile.
If you are in Raleigh, NC, I encourage you to go to CAM Raleigh and check out Limited Visibility, which is contemporary works from Latin America. It's an amazing exhibition. Some of the artists include: Jorge Méndez Blake, Laura Belém, Santiago Sierra, Moris, Jose Dávila, and Allora & Calzadilla.