“In Your Shoes” is an installation that consists of a collection of used footwear treated and preserved in resin. Each of these shoes holds a story, a journey traveled, and an imprint left in their wear and tear. In their deterioration and persistence, they become tangible testimonies of the wearer’s paths, experiences, as well as milestones in their lives. The delicate flowers that sprout from each shoe symbolises rebirth and regeneration as the used shoes are now given a new life and identity. The installation also invites us to reflect on whether we could let go of our own comforts and readily step into the shoes of others.
This standalone piece depicts a character who not only tends to a garden but also carries it with him, becoming the bearer of nature and life. It underscores the balance between beauty and burden, suggesting that growth, change, and transformation often come with a sense of weight and responsibility. The character carries a wagon of blooming flowers—an explosion of colours and shapes that evoke growth, renewal, and beauty—as if he is the messenger of spring. Yet, this flowering cart also represents a great responsibility, one that requires unwavering care, patience, and commitment. In this sense, the character is not just a gardener but also a guardian of life—someone who wholeheartedly embraces both the weight and the beauty of fostering what he loves. Through this imagery, “The Constant Gardener” prompts us to reflect on the things in life we wish to nurture, be it human relationships, ideals, or principles.
“Come on in, we can all fit!” —or “Vamos, vamos que entramos!” in Spanish—is a common expression in Latin culture. It encapsulates the determination to fit as many people as possible onto a motorbike, even when all the seats are taken, driven by a refusal to leave anyone behind. Legs retracted at awkward angles and backs pressed together, passengers adjust their positions and squeeze in various ways until the bike carries twice its intended capacity. The phrase “Come on in, we can all fit!” becomes a symbol of empathy and resourcefulness, where space is willingly sacrificed to ensure everyone has a place. Ultimately, the series carries a simple yet profound message: there is always room for everyone.
In this series, the roads are not merely a backdrop but the true protagonist. Their shapes and contours tell stories, reflecting the ups and downs of life and the ways we navigate our paths. Some roads begin seemingly accessible, only to transform into daunting abysses, while others—despite their apparent inaccessibility—seduce with promises of calm and escape from chaos, revealing their true nature only as the journey unfolds. Through these contrasts, the series invites reflection on life: how we face change, how we adapt to the unexpected, and how, in the end, every road is a story of its own—each with its own rhythm, challenges, and destination. When all is said and done, we may as well enjoy the ride, don’t you think?
