Eastern Projects Presents: Davey Leavitt - Everything Is Fine Keep Swiping / A(MEN)

About

Everything is Fine Keep Swiping / A(MEN)

Artist Statement (2022):

Dear God (or to whom it may concern),

Please free us from our expectations, archaic masculine roles, attributes and behaviors constructed by history, society and politics.

Rid our world of toxic masculinity and replace it with a new way of being — a way of love, tolerance, sensitivity and compassion as we transition away from the patriarchy and into gender equality.

Grant us strength as we unlearn and welcome these new ideologies so we can evolve together in peace and harmony.

Grant us courage as we overthrow the antiquated powers that be and bear witness to when the cowboys cry.

“I am not my father”, yet a piece of him remains within me, which I try to improve daily. So I am my father, albeit a mere reflection of him, but that's not all I am.

I am also my mother, my sister, my brother, my partner and my friend. She, her, he, him, they, them.

Amen

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Everything is Fine Keep Swiping / How to Cage a Wagging Tail

Artist Statement (2021):

How exactly does one cage a wagging tail? I presume there may be many ways. For me, it was depression — debilitating, bone-crushing and soul-sucking depression. Perpetual sadness suffocates any semblance of joy from its host, and for me, it strangled out every bit of hope from within. Everything is Fine Keep Swiping is inspired by my experience with Tourette’s syndrome, bipolar disorder and grave mental and emotional conditions. Bondage is the visual language represented in this body of work, symbolized by the use of ropes and cages.

The last 5 years I have been on a harrowing journey of recovery in the desperate pursuit of finding a sustainable solution/treatment for all that has plagued me throughout my life. I spent many years victimized by the baffling nature of these conditions, finding myself on countless occasions in the fetal position on the bathroom floor, pleading for a way out. I was exhausted and depleted, having spent every last drop of energy I could muster

up in a day towards trying desperately to be “normal,” painting a happy face across my lips. “Don’t worry,” they would say, “everything is fine.” But they don’t know suffering or bondage like this. While the world keeps swiping, I’m just trying to exist. 

But there is hope, my friend, for all bad things must come to an end too. Some say that it is darkest before dawn and I am relieved to have survived just long enough to see this sunrise. Today, I am happy, joyous and free; no more cages or ropes around me. Despite it all, I would change nothing, for all of which has taught me compassion and humbled me greatly. Through my experience of grieving and the wonders of science, my spirit has awakened. I’m now full of immense, although unfamiliar, abundance of gratitude, inspiration and freedom — all of which I wish for you. My sincerest intention is that my experience, strength and hope can help others feel less alone. I know what it’s like to feel trapped within your own mind and body, and it is OK to ask for help. I hear you, I see you, I feel you… I love you

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Eastern Projects

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