Mercedes Gertz

The Naming

2020

In fairy tales and dreams, I detect recurrent motifs, reminders of stories that have been my companions throughout my life. For example, the idea of falling into a hole, like when we “fall” asleep is archetypically an expression for lowering into a deeper state.

Alice in Wonderland and the myth of Persephone have been hugely impactful for me. In both stories there is a fall into the underworld, perhaps a loss of innocence, a claim for individuality or the importance of accessing a deeper state.

I have made paintings with this theme for more than twenty years. My dream from May 2020 proved to me that this theme is still present. However, now I detect another motive, represented in my page of this Red Book. What is calling my attention are the various tools that appeared in the narrative. Thinking about them and playing with them gives me a feeling of empowerment, the ability and agency to be able to name myself.