In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to produce a solo show at Forever Florida Real Estate. A real estate office built out to be a real gallery space, my friend, colleague, and fellow artist Wasíl has been responsible for curating an impressive series of shows, and I was overjoyed to be asked to participate. 

If you know me, you know I don’t do things in half measures, and this was no different. I carefully thought through the concept theme and contents of the show and got started creating several new pieces just for this exhibition, which would be named Paracosm. 

WHAT IS A PARACOSM? For those unfamiliar with the concept, a paracosm is essentially a fantasy world. It is a detailed dream universe where anything is possible – a place where the people, places, lore, even the mechanincs of reality are inventions of their creator. While originally used in psychology to describe imaginary universes created by children, the definition of the word has expanded to include any intricate fantasy realm, such as Tolkien’s Middle Earth or Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. Given my tendency to depict myth and fantasy in my work, it was a natural choice for naming this exhibit.

WHY IS A PARACOSM IMPORTANT? As I often explain in statements on my work, I feel that it is important to have a place to escape to when the world feels hopeless and cruel. In our modern reality where much of the news tends to focus on fear, hatred, and desperation, it is essential to remind ourselves that it is still possible to find joy. To be reminded that beauty for the sake of itself, gentleness, peace, and love persist. It is my deeply held belief that this is my job as an artist: to create in pictures that feeling of wonder and exuberance, even if it is only for a fleeting moment.

There are many motivations for my choice to make this kind of work, but specifically, as a queer/trans artist, it feels even more important to exist joyfully. To reject the judgment, hatred, and fear that would have me hide myself away and instead go forth into the world proudly claiming the space I know I deserve – that we all deserve. Speaking with my friends in the LGBTQ+ community over the last several years, its been clear that the feelings of hopelessness and despondence have grown ever deeper, and that has been my greatest motivator for continuing. Creating and existing as my true self is my greatest act of resistance, and it is my hope, as you view this exhibition, you feel it too.