Artist’s Statement:

Both my partner and I are hugging each other. The slight fading implies bars and a very personal inner conflict evoking the fact that having MS sometimes makes me feel as if I were a prisoner of myself. Such a prison is never constant and is subject to the mindset of the moment and whether an MS relapse will be mild or unpredictable; this uncertain feeling is also displayed by the outside clocks. I attempt to represent what I consider my balanced type of personality and life approach – I hate MS, I’m always going to hate it. I’m not going to sugarcoat that, I really hate it, with all my heart. On the other hand, there is a display of beautiful colours and light, somehow reflecting joy and peace. If I were asked to provide something positive from all these feelings: perhaps I didn’t know how close I am to my partner. I always knew we were very close and loving, but initially, I didn’t fully realize how much he cares about me; thus, I choose our love as the central piece. I know I am probably not the same person I used to be, maybe not the same strong man as before. Will I accept that? Will I accept my new vulnerability? I wish there were a “yes” or “no” answer, the answer is relative to the moment. Finally, the tree behind us represents hope and the need to seek and flourish happiness and keep up the good moments.