Art Heals: Flying Lessons

I like to think of myself as an activist, a doer, a problem solver.  The work I love as a curator involves all aspects of body and mind;  envisioning the story my artist will tell in the exhibition, planning the layout so that the artworks speak to each other as well as to the viewer, painting the walls, climbing the ladder, wielding the hammer. And studio visits, and travel, meeting artists in their natural habitats, visiting museums to see the best (hopefully) and the latest trends (often, unfortunately).

No matter what our jobs, or interests, moving around, travelling,  freedom of movement defines who we are, what we can accomplish, whether it is to see family in another part of town, or the world, or meet with business associates or clients, or friends.  Not being able to do this right now is hugely frustrating. Learning to “accomplish” things virtually is a new and hard-won lesson.

Let us learn it from those who have had, sadly, the most practice.  The healing art piece for today is Hani Zurob’s Flying Lesson #4.  Years ago, the artist was exiled from Gaza, unable to return. At the time, living in Paris, he tried to explain to his then small son, why he could not board a plane to go home.  In this painting, a print made from the original work on canvas, there is an echo of our feelings today, our sadness in isolation. But ours is temporary. We will be free to fly again.  Flying lessons are difficult to learn, but once mastered, can get us through much adversity. Art Heals.