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Katie Fiszman's avatar

‘When you spend time with the paintings things begin to emerge’.

But we first have to be able to spend that time and be open to it and that, I think, is already a stumbling block!

We’re in a constant state of daily rush so we don’t have time; we’re intimidated by our world of feelings because we’re so used to lives chocabloc with material practicalities that feelings get ignored; we’re out of practise because we’re used to the meaning of things being presented to us on TV programmes etc. In other words we’ve lost the skill of engaging more deeply.

There are so many issues in the world, huge problems that seem unsurmountable - climate change, immigration and racism...and so many more. But the clue for me in dealing with so many of our problems is reflected in this fact of being uncomfortable with the abstract. Our realities are within us - the issues we face have grown out of our realities. So the problems aren’t really the problems - they’re just symptoms. The real problem is...dare I say it...us!!!

I loved hearing Mehretu talking about her work and shedding light on all that can be found within abstract artwork.

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Helen S.'s avatar

Really enjoyed this video, I hadn't heard of Mehretu before. Thanks! And also, what a nice man Flintoff seems. I watched that TEDx video, and it has inspired me to sow a few extra tomato plants for my neighbours this year!

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