It seems like only a few moments ago I was contemplating questions of what I would think to be of great importance inside my mind. I was looking at the works made by the hands of brilliant men and women. I stood up and appreciated them. In turn, the perception of my surroundings heightened. The Art Institue of Chicago transformed. It was no longer a buildling but rather a vessel. Its sole purpose to house magnificent works of art. Staring off into the distance of a staircase I noticed the reflection of the glass enclosure that surrounds a connecting walkway of the second floor. Those who traversed through the walkway walked on air. The reflection of the glass enclosure created an illusion of this otherwise impossible feat. Would I recognize this if this were just any other buildling? No. I would neglect the buildling and it’s sole purpose would be for my presence rather than for the true purpose of anything in life. To simply exist.
After exiting the Peteri Fischli and David Weiss exhibition I took a picture of the doors to remember their names. Research for later. After taking the picture I noticed my very own reflection to the right of Fischli’s name. Jodi’s reflection was to the right of Weiss’ name. While a stretch I appreciated the picture just a bit more. I played with the illusion that I was emulating Fischli and Jodi was emulating Weiss. This could have been just another picture – and now it probably is. But after I took it, to both Jodi and I, it was something more.
That heightened sense of perception and appreciation is gone. I sit in my living room writing this blog post. The feelings I had then have been replaced with bill reminders, financial management, milestone tasks, future projects, and every passing thought that dare fills this living room. We are slaves to the very own prisons we call home.