IRL over URL

Why you need to be out in the world more than behind a screen.

As we opened the door to the gallery, my friend eyed the bar and we approached, seeking libations.

“Oh wow I love your jacket,” this woman shot my way. “Great colour! Is it waterproof?”

It had been drizzling a little outside.

“Probably, because it’s basically like wearing a shiny gold plastic bag,” I remarked, referencing my outerwear.

This got us talking about my accent, travels and work. And in less than 5 minutes we’d added each other on Instagram because she said she was an art photographer who loved to collaborate.

This has been the big theme of 2025 so far, but more specifically the last 5 weeks in New York City: the power of being ‘in person’.

“A Collection of Little Memories” (2025), Julian Ceccaldi, ‘Adult Theatre’ exhibition, MoMa PS1, Queens.

It sounds so obvious, but presence counts

I feel a bit silly and twee writing about how important it is to be out in the world, but so many people have told me they need more of it.

Without a doubt, the 2020 pandemic unequivocally altered how we relate to each other and the world at large. We’re only now starting to truly see just HOW much we’ve been changed.

Your physical presence can’t translate online and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Seeing a video of you compared to sitting across from you at a cafe are two very different modes – both of which we need.

This isn’t an argument for ditching technology or taking a ‘digital detox’ (though we all probably should do that more), it’s a reminder…

“Untitled (RP18)”, Ronit Porat, L’Space Gallery, Chelsea.

If we don’t put our bodies in the world, the world will go away

I’ve been thinking about this ever since I read Ross Douthat’s NYT Opinion piece, “An age of extinction is coming. Here’s how to survive.”

While it’s quite a conservative perspective, there’s a warning that I think we should all hear.

If our bias is always towards the online world, the places that we love and assume will be around forever – think museums, sports stadiums, art galleries, restaurants – will go extinct.

Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we get out and support these public spaces so we preserve our lives. Especially as it relates to our creativity.

David Zwirner Gallery, Chelsea.

Nothing can replace seeing Art in the flesh

I don’t care how good the photo is, how clear the video might be or how advanced the VR tech is. Standing in front of a painting where you can see the brushstrokes, navigating your way around a sculpture, or even sitting in the dark to see a movie, CHANGES YOU.

Experiencing other people’s creativity is healing, inspiring and affective. Don’t take my word for it, check out the amazing work happening in the Neuroarts movement for tangible proof.

Gallery hopping our way through Chelsea on Friday night, bumping shoulders with artists and other creative folk, jolted me back to life. It showed me why we create: not only to make a living, but for each other.

Like it or not, we’re all stuck on this planet together, trying to make sense of an experience that, more often than not, doesn’t make any sense.

Turning your questions, obsessions and fears into real things that take up space proves that yes, in fact, you ARE here. And when those real things are witnessed by REAL people, you know what happens?

YOU FEEL SEEN.

And, dear ones, that is the point of it all.

So here’s an invitation for you… How can you show up ‘in real life’ for someone else this week?

Creatively yours,

Dr Maz xoxo

PS: The conversations over on my podcast, What Doesn’t Kill Us, are heating up. ICYMI, we’ve had Fleur Chambers talk us through wholehearted confidence, Sarah Patterson show us why community is the answer to the doom, Damian Hinks guide us through how to authentically commercialise our creativity, Jasmine Parasram get vulnerable about ADHD and freelancer life, and a few solo rants by yours truly.