"Ethics in a World of Strangers"?

“I am neither Athenian nor a Greek, but a citizen of the world.” Diogenes (c. 430 C.E.)

This groundbreaking statement challenged the basis of ancient Greek identity, which was historically set by one’s native city, and led to a new school of thought, Cosmopolitanism. The word itself derives from the Greek - Cosmos (the universe) and Polis (city).

Cosmopolitism is a worldview that believes all human beings belong to a single community. The thinking goes that each human dwells in two communities, the local community of one’s birth, and the larger community of human aspiration. According to the ancient Greek philosopher, Hierocles, the ideal personal identity is based on related concentric circles, starting from the self to family, friends, local community, nation, and then all of humanity. (Important to note levels of responsibility decrease with every circle!)

Cosmopolitism is broader than the economic and political doctrine of globalization and more holistic than multi-culturalism. It's both the solution and the challenge for the 21st Century.

Curious to learn more? I highly recommend "Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers" by Yale professor Anthony Kwame Appiah.

The power of EMOTIONAL storytelling

My Ukrainian-American roots are central to my identity and worldview.

Perhaps the most important lesson I learned from being a child of immigrants, is to take ownership of your story – early and often. I submit that the first human right ought to be the right to tell your story - on your terms. Sharing your story with lucidity and authenticity can literally change one’s destiny. The current example of Ukrainian President Zelensky – a writer and actor – boldly and courageously taking control of his nation’s narrative has changed world history. As the world stands in awe of this unlikely hero, I cannot help but marvel at the power of emotional storytelling to unite and uplift humanity. My motivation to write my heart out has never been higher.

I grew up in the culturally diverse metropolis of Chicago as a “hyphened American” surrounded by other hyphened Americans. We had a blast sharing stories, music, and food from each other’s lush cultural traditions. In my heart, I became a “global citizen” way before I got my first passport. I craved ethnic diversity and cultural exploration from an early age and ended up studying, working, and living internationally for several years. Culture matters to me deeply. The more you study cultural history, the more evident the universal thread of humanity becomes.

My work is dedicated to understanding human nature through art and culture. Thin labels and flat characters bore me. I want to go deep and wide. Emotionally connecting with stories from people that “don’t look like me” make me feel more human and whole. I believe I am not alone in yearning for stories that touch my heart and expand my mind.

What do CURATORS do?

A curator is an artful mix of documentarian and interior designer. A top-notch curatorial practice is the alchemy of three skills – intellectual rigor for research, visual sophistication for editing, and a sensitivity to space for placement. All these skills serve one goal – visual storytelling, which requires both emotional and aesthetic coherence.

A museum curator is the narrator who sets the scene, introduces the characters, creates the mood and then invites the audience to find their own meaning in the story. While she has thoughtfully designed every part of the experience, her presence is largely invisible to audiences. Her job is to get people into a mode of discovery, to help them see the world around them, and themselves, with fresh eyes.

What is ICONIC design?

The first thing I would say about ICONIC is that we need to draw the distinction between its contemporary usage in marketing/PR and its place in the review of design history. Hype is noisy and demands our attention, but it always fades. The iconic leaves a clear reference point, a new gold standard to which designers still aspire to.

So to me, an icon is someone who has transcended their field and their time to become an exalted cultural figure. Their names may not be known to everyone, but their visual legacy has been seamlessly integrated in our modern lives. When we think about icons such as Eero Saarinnen, Mies van der Rohe or Ray and Charles Eames it is easy to forget the years of trial and error they went through because their objects have become integral to our visual vocabulary.

I think it is important to note that iconic designers are both visionaries and problem solvers. The heart of design is about solving human problems, whether that relates to materiality, function or form. An iconic design is seen as ‘groundbreaking’ and one that sets new standards in its field. It sets a new benchmark. The test of an iconic design is that it stands up to the test of time and still has the power to inspire us. These designs outlive their creators in a way and take on a life of their own.

In short, an iconic design has its place in history and even changes history. It is a design that is immediately recognized by consumers, almost subconsciously.

Why is ART important?

The ultimate power of art is that it provides perspective, a break from the mundane aspects of life, a space to imagine something bigger. Without transcending our daily troubles, we cannot create a better future. Art sprinkles us with hope.