Manifesto

My name is Alexandru and I am an artist.

I’ve been on a journey of recovery and healing –

Recovery from abuse, healing from trauma.

I’m still on that journey most of the time.

I am a scared and lonely child

And I belong to this race; there is only one.

I am of a different world from the one I live in.

I hold my glance steady at our common foe: anger.

I sharpen the tool that connects us: language.

I let go. I exhale.

I breathe in knowledge passionately.

I am a curious observer, ready to hold up a mirror;

A mirror you won’t like; a mirror you won’t want.

I am one of the disenfranchised,

The tortured, the humble. The bold.

I am a misfit. I am a rebel. 

I am other. 

My purpose is my self expression.

I have something to say.

I want you to hear me, friend – I’m here!

I intend to walk forward

With one hand in front of me to greet you

And the other reaching out behind me,

Because making way for myself

Means making way for others.

I will only ever bow to love and kindness.

I have impossible dreams.

I pause often. I often miss the point.

I know the sound of a slamming door.

I sit in the centre of the space I used to give away. 

I burned down the house they built to control me, 

Disguised as safety – all bridges to and from it too.  

My home has no doors.

I’m not asking for room; I am the room. 

My presence doesn’t need your permission. 

Mistakes are OK but you better come correct. 

My mistakes are mine.

I am shedding my armour and your expectations.

I stand on the shoulders of giants.

I amplify the call for peace.

I have to fuel the fire in my heart.

I must express.

My mediums are selected carefully.

My creativity holds no bounds.

I see you deeper than you allow yourself to.

I am a centrist, looking at both sides in equal measure.

I am an activist

And I speak for those that do not have a voice.

I stand for those who cannot

And I stand with those who can.

I eat fire and brimstone.

I am multi-dimensional.

I am a human being.

I am deeply flawed.

I am always learning.

I am learning how to love myself.

I deserve your respect.

I demand your respect.

I lead with my heart and eyes open.

I am neurodiverse in a neurobasic world.

I am a fighter, and my elbows are rough

And so are my knees.

I go one step at a time. I go one step further.

I hold your truth as my own.

I hold myself responsible for my actions.

I see you when you don’t see yourself.

My religion is decency

And my altar is love.

My mission is to enable.

I am here to bring forward.

I will do it with or without your help.

I am here to smile.

My gods are people just like you and me.

I believe in the majestic power of this universe

To always conspire in my favour.

I want to heal the world

Because I still believe we can. 

My reward is immaterial, 

And its name is Freedom.

I am coming through.

I come with a warning label.

I am crazy brave

And I am never alone.