Mestiso Manifesto #9

My first blog post for 2025! It’s been a bit of a break since my last post—life has been interfering, and for me, the last half of December to the first half of January is usually a write-off. But I’m back at my desk, typing away and looking forward to all the exciting potential for my career.

My solo exhibition, which I’ve been diligently working toward over the past few months, opens tonight at RED Gallery. This coincides with a group show where I have two pieces on display over at SOL Gallery. I’ll more than likely be focusing on my solo exhibition, so I won’t attend the opening at SOL, but I did visit the gallery earlier this week. The work and installation were really well done. My solo, Rejected/Projected at RED Gallery, runs until January 26th, and the group show SOULS runs until February 2nd.

The first half of the year is going to be busy for me. After my solo exhibition, I’ll participate in a few back-to-back group shows (one of which is a secret shhh), as well as a group show with some artist mates in March and a mid-year group show in June. I’m also planning and working toward another solo exhibition in June, this time in a non-traditional space to showcase some new experimental work.

Additionally, there’s an exciting promotional opportunity happening during the autumn months—or spring if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere (yes, that’s a hint). I’m also thrilled to announce that RED Gallery will be representing a selection of my work through Artsy. I haven’t finalised the pieces yet, but I’ll share details as they come together. More than likely it will comprise of work from my current solo show.

I have no idea what other surprises this year holds, but it’s shaping up to be my busiest one yet. Everything is moving quickly right now, but I trust it’s all leading me somewhere meaningful. I just need to be comfortable with the uncertainty and exercise patience.

On a personal level, things have been increasingly challenging, especially in the months following my redundancy as a designer. It’s still quite rough—I’m struggling to adjust to the high degree of uncertainty and lack of stability and security, which has been generating a significant amount of stress. I feel ungrounded and emotionally volatile when I’m usually quite anchored and self-aware. However, I’m doing my best to stay patient, forgiving, and understanding with myself and others.

I sense this will be a big year of change and growth. While I’m someone who resists shifting and changing unless absolutely necessary, I believe everything is unfolding as it needs to, helping me progress further in life and preparing me for what’s ahead.

Here’s to 2025!