Madrid Diaries, vol. 1

It has only been a month.
The vibrant experiences I had with you are still pulsating within me, very much alive.
Oh, Madrid Madrid... what a short yet intense love affair we had! ​​

PHOTO: Raquel Sakristán

I never expected to love it so much, the lively Madrid. But there must be some latina blood rushing through my veins! Even though being such a sensitive being who needs a lot of time alone (very Nordic), I do talk with a very loud voice, I do wave my hands when I speak and... I love creating in various spaces with other creatives. 

Since meeting each other in 2018 for Art Ii Biennial in Northern Finland, we wanted to meet again and make something together, me and Raquel Sakristán, a fearless artist and a beautiful soul. We made 3 collaborative pieces in those 3 days I was in Madrid. 

The one I wanted to introduce to you today, is The Web. Something we could call a performance-installation. It is all interwoven into a piece that both shapes a public space as well as makes it come alive with our presence: creating the web, my singing, the connections we make with the people there. 

PHOTO: Israel Rodríguez

This time we didn't announce it as a performance, it was simply time for us to test this concept. We met at Matadero Madrid, a huge historical complex, that is now dedicated to culture (art classes, exhibition spaces, events...). I was impressed how they had conserved such old buildings and opened their doors to art! Left everything that could be left as it is, renovating what necessary.

When in the process, people started stopping by to follow our process. We had some very touching moments after this first try-out - our small, spontaneous audience was already international, from Korea, Switzerland... transported together into a realm of pure presence. There were those precious moments when we breathe the same magic for a moment.

Listen for yourself:

Having the spectacular designer's dress from Israel Rodríguez, was also such a gift. I haven't had much contact with the fashion world, it mostly scares me to be honest, but wearing this dress was very special. Pure silk. Spectacular sensation. A girl who saw me going to the bathroom of the exhibition space for changing my clothes said to her father: ''oh dad, look, a princess!''

Even the light came to us at the right moment, creating the perfect natural effect. Some people asked if we had actually planned it so. 

Moment of magic.
Those that make you feel truly alive.
Truly in tune with your life's purpose and your part in this world. 
​

I hope some of this magic could inspire you
as we enter the darkest days of the year up here in the North.
​
Remember your uniqueness and never give up dreaming. 

Much love, 

​Meri