Balance
Andrew Kwok (2022)
acrylic paint and drawing ink on canvas
The center of gravity in disarray,
the glass of sanity cracks as
light shines in the irregularity
of a void space
projecting an imagery of
lines and smudges
painting the conscious
to ask
instead of the mere question of
what is wrong,
but rather the thought of
what do you see?
This ekphrastic work begins with the creation of the poem. I drew inspiration from not only my standardized patient interactions but also my own perspective in life. It is often easy to go into a patient interaction with the perspective of “something is wrong with the patient.” What should really be done is to view the patient for who the patient is, and to just listen without assumptions. Translation is a beautiful concept. To be able to see anything in multiple perspectives and forms is stimulating. I took this poem and interpreted it onto the canvas. The geometric shapes and rigidity of lines are balanced with this almost free-flowing abstraction that disperses throughout the space. The duality of structure and freedom coexist in this delicate balance that maintains my inner psyche.
Contributing Writer
Albany Medical College
Andrew is a second year medical student at Albany Medical College in Albany, NY class of 2024. In 2020, he graduated from Siena College with a Bachelor of Arts in biology. He enjoys going to galleries and museums in his free time. In the future, Andrew would like to pursue a career in psychiatry.