An overview of my Solo Photo Exhibit (May-June 2024, Seattle Washington)

The universe speaks through us.
We are here to channel that miraculous ethereal vibration,
We are here express the inexpressible.

Words hold tremendous power. We may or may not be attentive to the thoughts and words of our own at any given moment, yet they fill in and transform the subtle space we inhabit. Perhaps, written words have even more power. Ten years ago, when my spirits were high, the heart was wide open, and the metaphoric wings were full of youthful strength, I wrote myself a letter, where I narrated what I envisioned my life to be like in ten years. Inspired by the ideals of a better world gleaned from the journey along the noble avenues of the sparkling kingdom of academia, I wrote long paragraphs about my commitment towards cultivating empathy, collaboration, inclusion, etc. in communities that I would create or participate in. I wrote something beautiful about the career path which I had believed at that time was my true calling but known in the depth of my heart that it wasn’t. The principles and ideals, however, were as real for me then as they are now. I remember myself thinking secretly to myself that those five pages of writing were nothing but a mere exercise in a philosophical discourse. Yet, when I was about to put the closing paragraph of my essay down, I suddenly felt that something shifted inside me. That something had nothing to do with the endless thought process of mine. That something was a strangely familiar but a long forgotten sensation of a pristinely clear voice which was coming straight from my heart – a glimmering flow of pure river, a rash of unmatched clarity, a voice of a child absorbed by a game. My closing sentence read: “Besides, in ten years, I will have my own extraordinary photo exhibit”.

Fast forward to May 2024 — I find myself sitting at a coffee table, surrounded by the fine works of photo-art – each one conveying a unique feeling, each one containing a story and memory of a miraculous moment in time, each one being a part of a cohesive ten-year long journey that led me to the present moment that is so abundant with wonderment, gratitude, and inspiration.

How did all of this come together? The exhibit tells me a unique story about the miraculous ways the reality shapes itself up and the roles we play in the process. It is a story about the power of friendship, about the essence of community in our lives, and about the courage to express yourself, to express your truth. Moreover, it it the story of the universe that gently guards us throughout our lives, guides us along our path, and teaches us to trust and believe in ourselves, while realizing the ineffable truths about our shared reality throughout the journey of life.

“Snowbird” is the earliest artwork in the series of the fourteen pieces that adorn the ochre walls of a cozy and welcoming community art-space. I remember vividly the December afternoon when I could not resist hiking uphill to the top of mount Bandera, all by myself. I remember the sensation that came from being surrounded by powder covered mountains, alone, relishing in the silence that was more eloquent than any given poem. It was one of the most precious moments when I knew that it was not really me who was seeing and experiencing all this, but something was seeing and experiencing it through me. It was akin to a divine whisper, with no words – it was a dialogue between my heart and the universe. I remember wondering, what I could do to “seal” at least a piece of the magical moment so that I could convey the wonderment to those who didn’t witness it with me. The tiny bird appeared out of nowhere and landed on the tree branch. The gentle breeze was playing with her soft feathers, while she was scanning the surroundings left and right for a few seconds. In those seconds I grabbed the camera and, in awe, captured the little winged creature, animating the entire miles long scenery with the charming vibration of life that emanated from her. Alive was the entire landscape around me, yet this tiny little Jay at that moment seemed to be the heart of everything. It was the heart of the winter.

Take a look from afar, don’t rush to look at the fine details of this composition. What do you see?
A gray-haired lady in a casual stance is observing street life from the balcony of a dilapidated Moorish building. The street is brightly lit up by the sun. The balcony is filled with pieces of old furniture and fabrics. To the left, through the window, we see another figure, disguised in the dark. The scene takes place in Havana (La Habana Vieja). Now, look closer: observe the mimic expression of the lady’s face, examine her outfit, her hairstyle, the attitude and the mood that her posture may or may not be exuding. Take a closer look at the lady’s skirt, stitched together from American flags and displaying joyful, carefree faces of young women. What might she be thinking of? Might she be immersed into a deep reflection on the course of her entire life? Or is she merely gazing at mundane activities in the street? What might she have been thinking of when she was a little girl, when she was a young woman? What may she have imagined her life to be like in the future?

Imagine yourself standing right there, on the rocky slopes of an enormous mountain and gazing into the vastness of an ancient landscape unfolding in front of you. The sense of strange aloneness might be creeping in. Yet, you are embraced by the entire universe, of which you are a vital part. You are face to face with the totality of creation, with timelessness, with eternity.

Hummingbird
Washington State, 2020

Thank You, LIFE