Thinkspace Projects presents Chicago-based painter Antonio J. Ainscough’s Chimera. In a world filled with misleading facades and self-deception, Chimera invites viewers to dive into the intricate maze of existence, where the illusions we create often lead to harmful behavior and consequences, both for ourselves and the world.
Artist Statement:
We all put on masks, create dreamlike worlds, and tell ourselves stories to cope with life’s challenges. It’s like a protective shield that we carry – a way to make sense of the chaos. These illusions can look like the never-ending quest for success, the need for constant validation, or the idea that we must be perfect. They’re the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the world.
In a world filled with misleading facades and self-deception, ‘Chimera’ invites you to dive into the intricate maze of our existence, where the illusions we create often lead to harmful behavior and consequences, both for ourselves and the world.
Our illusions often lead to bad choices and behaviors. The stories we tell ourselves can push us towards actions that hurt ourselves and others. It might be the rush for quick satisfaction, ignoring hard truths, or building walls between us and others. These behaviors, driven by our illusions, create discord, inequality, and unhappiness.
The consequences of our actions, fueled by these illusions, go far beyond ourselves. Our personal struggles can have a huge impact on the environment, society, and the people around us.
Ainscough’s new body of work is a reflection of the illusions that shape us and the world. It’s an invitation to join in a collective journey of self-exploration and change. By exploring these illusions, their impact on behavior, and the consequences they have on our world, we can discover the power to heal and improve both ourselves and the world we share.
