ARTIST STATEMENT
Worst Case Scenario is a piece of release.
Symbolism of sin, mindless moments, and the eyes of Big Brother make the piece overwhelming. While it feels like the end when you observe it, even noticing the wear and tear on the edges of the piece indicative of struggle, the act of it being on the wall is the acknowledgement of the release. Comparable to the breath of relief that comes after finishing a daunting task. Overcoming the fear of the worst case scenario is often an impossible task for the anxious and depressed. Worst Case Scenario as a piece is the follow through of the hypnotic grasp the realities that deadly scenarios are rooted in.
As an artist, Worst Case Scenario is an inaugural piece of returning to the act of creating. After nearly a decade of overcoming mental health challenges related to a past devastating experience that stopped me from creating art entirely: The release the piece prompts me that no matter what happens, even in lapses of mental health care where the piece sits on the wayside uncared for itself, that it is always going to be a possibility. It’s like wearing grief on my sleeve while hung, and being my reality when it’s at home shoved in my closet carelessly. Among other pieces, Worst Case Scenario is just one aspect of the challenges those with mental illness deal with, and while it gazes elsewhere, it challenges viewers to break the spell of their gaze too.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Alexandria Knapik (Alex) is a Chicago-based emerging artist who works in the art world as a laborer. Not academically trained in fine art, Alex has worked on the business side of the visual arts industry in Chicago for several years, only recently creating pieces. Professionally, Alex is connected throughout Chicagoland and beyond as a museum worker and activist. She has spoken at the Death to Museums conference, co-facilitated the 17th Chicago Food Justice Summit, hosted the “Honest Museum Labels” activist project, and more. Artistically, Alex launched an art collection titled “Things I Think About,” and is excited to be able to pursue creative expression again as a passion and rebellion.
© Alexandria Knapik