After many endless hours, tons of late nights and I’m sure many tanks of gas, it’s finally over. Philip Barbosa’s opening night reception is finished for his first solo-gallery art exhibit in the Toronto Contact Photography Festival. I’ve always been one to volunteer towards bitch-tasks; tasks that no one wants to do, but are also mindless at the same time. Hours upon hours, from when stacks of photos to sort through to creating various snack and finger-food the night of the opening.
I’d never realized until this night the amount of work I’d personally put into this. All I want is Phil to succeed. This has been his baby for many years, and through the last few weeks, in some small manifestation, it has become mine as well. Through knowing that every little bit counts, helping him paint gallery walls, putting tools away, going on beer and pizza runs were all making this dream become closer to becoming a reality. There was absolutely no right or wrong as long as it’s something that would yield a positive effect on his life.
Spending that much time with one person, however, is completely trying; I know on more than one occasion I was dreaming of packing it in and leaving him to deal with his own demons. Knowing how Phil is and how I am, I knew this situation would never come to light, and for that I’m happy. Seeing the prints on the walls made the whole last few weeks of lack of sleep, and late nights, and expensive commuting costs all melt away in my head. And for those hours seeing what has become so close to such a friend made me realize that everything’s fine, and everything will be just peachy.
I’ve never attended an art opening, and as of yet I still do not consider myself as having been an attendee. I’ve re-met fabulous friends that I see far too seldom, and met new friends that will definitely be a growing part of my life.
Everything over the last few weeks and regarding this opening has flown past me in a monochrome blur. I’m glad it’s all over and I wish Phil the best of luck in this and future endeavours.
