*For full expansion of my thoughts on the Venice Biennale 2020’s prompt, you can find them here:
‘How will we live together?’: Part I, II
This year, the Australian Institute of Architects released the expression of interest for the Venice Biennale. Although I wasn’t able to participate in the competition, here is my response to the brief “How will we live together?”. When society is facing a divide - equality comes to mind. But what is equality? What is equal chance?
This poem is my response and catalyst to an eventual blog post that explores the area of the brief.
If we all lived in equilibrium
If we all lived in equilibrium, would we consider it fair?
Would everyone have a home? Would everyone have a job?
Would everyone be able respect one another?
It all has to start somewhere when we’ve reached equilibrium – it would be like Animal Farm again,
Saying that we’re all living as equals, until someone wants more.
If we all lived with respect and empathy, then we may live in equilibrium, sure we may have issues to solve, global warming to be aware of.
But at least we will be fair, be willing to apologise
Be willing to admit mistakes to learn and grow.
But this world does not thrive on equilibrium,
Because those with wealth wants to protect it,
Looking down on others has become a habit that nobody wants to return to that.
Words of exlusivisity, denial are ever present.
If we all lived in equilibrium.