Duke Diary Dispatch: Finding Life Balance and Inspiration in Art

A colorful work of art

This is the most recent diary entry from Duke's Khilan Walker, a political science major interning this summer at an organization in New York City that aids families of domestic violence victims. Read more from Khilan here.

Before this summer began, I set a goal out for myself of achieving balance with the many aspects of life this summer. From work to self care, and everything in between. I wanted to achieve harmony with the things I involved myself in. As I continue to chase this fantasy of having balance and constantly writing and scratching out tasks in my planner, I have learned to also embrace the feelings that come with chaos, the feelings that come with no balance. When things are just happening naturally and seem to be out of my control.  

This is the internal struggle I have been embracing over the past week, and I am not sure exactly how I will go about achieving balance from here on out, but I do know that I will do so with a better understanding that balance is not a “be all, end all” type of thing.  

To lighten up the mood from my personal grappling, there is a Yayoi Kusama exhibit in NYC until July 21st on 19th Street that will leave you speechless. Before going, I had not known about Kusama’s work, but after leaving, I could not help but be obsessed with it. Kusama is a contemporary Japanese sculpture artist also known for her painting, fashion, poetry and other forms of art. The exhibit is very quick and interactive, and it offers immediate motivation whenever you feel as if your creativity is lacking.  

I highly recommend that anyone in the area from now until July 21st attend this exhibit at least once.