The Myth of Sisyphus with Disability Patch

Description

The Myth of Sisyphus with Disability Patch. roughly 7.5″ x 11″.

This patch is likely my most personal piece to date. It is based on the Albert Camus essay of the same name, though minus “with Disability”. In the essay Albert explores the absurdity in the search for the meaning of life, and comes to the conclusion that Sisyphus is the true hero of absurdism. Sisyphus, after cheating death was given the task for eternity of repeatedly rolling a boulder up a hill only to have it roll down again once he got it to the top. The essay ends with, “The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy”. I have been struggling lately to understand the value of bodies/lives with disability in our capitalist society. Heavy, I know. We are constantly having to advocate for our most simple of human rights. Having to explain, and in some cases justify our needs to family, friends, doctors, employers, aids and pretty much everyone else who comes into our lives. Having to inquire about accessibility every time we leave the house. This world was not designed for people with disability. Every day it feels like I am not pushing a boulder up a hill, but the wheelchair I am using is the boulder. Every morning waking up, getting in my chair and starting back at the bottom of the hill. Much like Sisyphus, this struggle isn’t an inspiration, it is simply a life. This patch is a part of me trying to fill my heart, on the path to happiness.