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Perhaps it's a matter of stating the obvious to thank all those who over the years have contributed to the survival and expansion of the gallery, but it was something I only thought of on the eve of this anniversary. This, I'm sure, has something to do with my personality: I always insist on doing everything myself as well as on getting all the credits - annoying qualities, I know, even when justified. Which implies that I'll do my best to make up for it on this occasion.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who through their acts or attitude have contributed directly or indirectly to our gallery's continued existence - all cherished, enthusiastic and loyal visitors and especially all devoted artists, as well as those who have forgiven me for not wanting their works, all harassed assistants, suppliers, Inland Revenue officials, exhibition organisers and thesis writers, selected journalists, all printers and frame makers, some cab drivers, all vintners, stand builders, construction workers and DIY stores, not to mention banks, mayors, lots of colleagues, bicycle repairmen, and loads of other people for just being nice to me … But I would certainly not want to leave out any of my foes - those who keep me on my toes, who push me into putting into words why they're wrong and I'm right. I'd be a wimp today had it not been for their questionable deeds. For that's what survival is all about: decency makes you vulnerable. You can only afford to be decent if you place yourself beyond the whims of your beneficiaries. Which goes to show - albeit somewhat convolutedly - that evil too generates decency. In this vein I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those journalists who have dragged me through the mud (not sufficient for true martyrdom), the artists who have conned me or felt that it was alright to try it on, and the cultural authorities, which in this post-privatisation era appear to have lost their way but which in the old days knew exactly what was okay and what was not - not that it matters, for it isn't the urge to innovate which sets the boundaries of society but rather, the ware being wages on the interface between what's good and what's evil. It's the pushing and pulling which clarifies the world. I thank all of the above, and assure them that I will leave no stone unturned over the next 33 years in implementing the full scope of accomplishments. |