ME AND THE OTHER

Duarte Perry’s artwork “Me and the Other" entered the public collection of the MAC|CCB museum in Lisbon in 2021, during a period of heightened social and political awareness triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Exhibited as part of the Sonae Sierra “Art Arrived at Colombo" award, the work became especially resonant as it addressed global issues such as the failures of social, political, and healthcare systems—issues that the pandemic brought to the forefront.

Me and the other, light installation by Duarte Perry

At its core, the artwork critiques the breakdown of systems meant to protect and support society, exposing their fragilities during crises. It highlights the complex relationship between the individual and the collective, urging viewers to reflect on their responsibilities to one another in a world marked by instability. The pandemic acted as a mirror, amplifying themes of isolation, inequality, and fragility.

The title, "Me and the Other", references the fundamental relationship between self and community, raising questions about empathy, connection, and the boundaries we draw between ourselves and others. During the pandemic, these boundaries were both enforced and blurred—physical distance was mandated through social distancing, but a shared global vulnerability fostered a sense of collective empathy.

Now part of the MAC | CCB public collection, "Me and the Other" aims to provoke discussions about systemic failures, empathy, and interpersonal dynamics. Perry hopes its continued visibility will keep these questions relevant as society grapples with the long-term effects of the pandemic and the systems that shape our lives.

Through its layered significance, the artwork seeks to contribute to ongoing conversations about social structures, empathy, and human interconnectedness. The video documentation of the piece was filmed by Eugénia Neto and edited by Luzia Alves.

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PRESENCE THROUGH OTHERS, 2024