HOUSE MATE

HOUSE-MATE Diptych (TEAM-MATE) by Roopa Dudley

In Christianity, we are suppose to "love thy enemy". We all know much easier that is said than done. I mean after all, how can we fight against our survival instinct? It is one of the most draining experiences that we have to reckon with. Below, I have presented some arguments as to why it is necessary to have adversary.

1. It gives a ying to yang. (Importance of coexistence)
2. It gives us a choice. (Teaches us right from wrong)
3. It brings out the best in us. (Self improvement - competition)
4. It gives us a purpose. (Eye of the tiger - survival of the fittest)
5. It keeps things in balance. (Checkered board)
6. It gives us two sides of the same story. (Coin).
7. It teaches us respect for those who hold an opposite opinion. (Democrats vs. Republicans)

In this painting I am using the abstract meaning of the word 'house'. The two chess pieces of the same kind but in different teams yet belonging to the house of chess. Our Brain houses two adversaries each bestowed with  its own special skills. When both are combined together it makes us who we are - a whole. Similarly, the world houses both good and bad people hence the famous quote "one country's terrorist is another's freedom fighter".

I understand this completely, yet I struggle with it everyday...perhaps it is in my nature to alter reality somehow and want to find ways in which both can work together and are conducive to society.