Written after exhibition opening last year

A handful of people begin to arrive. Nerves are high and the air is thick. Temperatures rise as the pristine white rooms become crowded with curious art viewers. I squeeze out a smile and look forward to the end of this awkward formality that is - ‘the exhibition opening’. Many stand and stare, others dare not look closely for fear of their reaction - or lack thereof. Red wine flows, faces flush, tensions wane. Conversations turn to concept, technique and visuals, with a pinch of name dropping thrown in for good measure. My sister arrives; a sense of calm. She views one of my installation pieces which consists of mouth imagery, string and several mounds of earth, her instant reaction is straight and abrupt. “Oh, I get it - so this piece is all about talking s*@&t - am I right?” Thanks Grace - although far from the original concept…I love your take on it!