Today I would like to share with you one of my works that will be on view from 21 July 2022 at MContemporary gallery in Sydney. This work : Alienated (from her family) will be part of my upcoming solo; Family meeting!

And I would like to thank everyone who submitted their stories (see previous post) which incorporated the titles of the works that will be part of my solo exhibition. (please note that those who used the titles to write their stories have not seen the images of the works) It is so exciting to read the various interpretations, because there are always more than one version of what happened at a family meeting;-) You are still welcome to share with me yours if you feel creative and have the time.

Today I am going to share the story Kaylee de Kock wrote using the titles of my works (see titles in bold below). Thank you Kaylee!!

*****

“You sit quietly in the corner at the family meeting.  You knew this was not going to be a joyous reunion, but decided to come anyway.

Everyone was bustling about and chatting about their lives. Being the one who alienated oneself from the family, no one pays you any mind.  The only one who is happy to see you is the family pet, Tina, the Yorkshire terrier.

Your parents and siblings look at you in disgust.  You remember being told once: “appreciate those you are with, because you can’t choose your family, for you are born into it.

Despite this you always wondered why you were raised by such an artificial and nuclear family.  They needed you to carry their name high and you dare not have a dream of your own.  What has love got to do with it?  That’s why you made your decision eight years ago….

You first saw them when you were 10 years old:  The good fairies.   They lived in a forest near your house.  You knew you would be playing with fire, but your curiosity got the best of you.  You snuck out after them.  A giant was resting in your path.  He stood and greeted you. He asked you to follow him, joining the good fairies. You continued along as the nice friendly giant proudly walked into the forest that never seemed to end. You reached a clearing where countless fairies were dancing.  They told you to dance along which you happily did. The music was like strings, pulling you along and moving your limbs to its will.  The guests enjoyed watching you.  You kept sneaking out every night to join your friends.  Then before the year was over a great joy was announced.  The fairies accepted you as one of their own!  Suddenly a group of giants stamped into the clearing.  Thank you for coming said the wicked giants.  Fearing what they might do, the fairies proclaimed to leave and find a new home. You wrote a note to your parents and left with the fairies….

You don’t regret your choice.  You had to tolerate your previous life, because you can’t choose your family. But that is wrong. You can choose who you want to add to your family.  The end.