“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” -Alexander Pope

Managing expectations can be a life-changing practice. When we learn to accept the things that come to us as well as let go of the things that don’t, we begin to make peace with the reality that our lives are never truly under our control. Leaning into this uncertainty and believing that even in the disappointments there can be opportunity will lead you to places you never imagined.

Jorge Macchi joined us from Buenos Aires to discuss, among other things, his role in an exhibit, The Double, at the National Gallery in Washington, DC. For the show, he exhibited Vidas Paralelas (Parallel Lives), a work consisting of two panes of glass sitting beside each other and broken in the exact same way. Encountering this work gives viewers the feeling that something is very strange, but they must confront the reality as they are standing before the piece witnessing it for themselves. To hear more about this and other aspects of Jorge’s life and career, listen to the complete interview.

Sung Hwa Kim recently exhibited at Hesse Flatow. The show, I Still Dream, grew out of his Nocturn series begun during the pandemic. The imagery he uses, butterflies and flowers, weeds, the moon and more symbolize impermanence and remind us of our mortality. When the pandemic started in 2020, Sung, who lives in Brooklyn, found himself completely isolated. This period weighed heavily on him and made him question whether what he was doing was worthwhile. He spent his time biking around the city, particularly at night. His experience began to unfold into these new bodies of work. To hear more, listen to the complete interview.