Toni Salom’s second solo show at Etesian it's inspired by a recent trip to India, Kids and Gods once again showcases Toni’s ability to translate a perspective, an observation, a commentary into a multi-disciplinary collection of works.
Based on his observations whilst spending time in India; of the passionate nature of the children and their presence in the moment, as well as the vivid Hindu gods, this body of work is truly expressive and holds a striking energy in each individual piece and also as a whole collection.
"Kids and Gods was Born in November 2023 during my stay at Vicente Ferrer Foundation in Anantapur, India. Throughout my visit to India, I came to understand that spirituality, when manifested in daily life and in relationships with others, can serve as a safeguard against the perversions of the ego. Unlike Western culture, where the emphasis often lies on personal success, the accumulation of wealth, and self-promotion. This project does not perceive the Gods as traditional religious entities, but rather interprets spirituality as a form of empathy; a conception that dissolves within the asphalted terrain of late capitalism.
On the other hand, I would highlight the impression left on me by the children of that country, as they projected a genuine gaze towards reality, a rarity in our society, overloaded with empty and artificial stimuli. Their way of living in the present with gratitude and curiosity made me question our practices and lifestyles. However, I am also aware that idealizing them, by relativizing the issues of their socioeconomic context, would be simplifying a much more complicated situation. Nevertheless, the vitality they exhibited has served as a source of inspiration for me. Kids and Gods is the result of the convergence of these elements intertwining to bring us closer to the essential truth of the human experience. This synthesis has given life to a project that transcends cultural boundaries and invites us to reflect on our own role in the world"
-Toni Salom
