After three months of intense preparation for my solo show, less than two weeks before the event, I discovered that the gallery that represented me was closing its doors. The gallery tried to reassure me that we could continue on with the show, but I still was just not getting enough confidence that my event was a priority anymore.

The day after I found out about the closure, I was sitting in my studio and just staring at the wall. After having three months of a clear goal and now just seeing it vanishing in front of me, I was not sure what would be the right decision. This was the first solo show in years that I’ve really put everything into. I was inviting my collectors and fans, and my friends were making plans to come and support me. I really thought I was letting everyone down.

But the person I didn’t want to let down the most was myself. 

I didn’t want a bad turnout or a bad event after all that work that I’ve put in. The gallery promised to promote the event, but I did not see that happening. So I decided to cancel the chosen date and postpone until I figured out a new venue and date.

In that moment, I was reminded of an important truth: one variable should not derail our vision. As artists, we need to be firm in our vision but flexible in the ways to reach it. All that was happening just showed me that flexibility doesn’t mean abandoning our goals; it means finding new ways to achieve them. We can be flexible in our decisions when circumstances change and trust that every obstacle just holds another opportunity.

I often think of life as driving a car.

We all ultimately try to reach where we’re going. Sometimes, the roads we choose are closed, forcing us to find alternate routes. Along the way, we may meet people who disrupt our journey—intentionally or unintentionally.

It’s easy to feel frustrated or even angry, but it’s important to remind ourselves that they are just trying to reach their destination just like we’re trying to reach ours. Everyone’s path is shaped by their own challenges and priorities. Letting go of resentment clears the road ahead and allows us to move forward with clarity.

When I made the decision to postpone my show, I faced so much doubt mixed with frustration and even shock. But I realized this was an invitation to realign with my purpose. That same day, I received a recommendation for a new space that had just opened its doors. Within hours, I was speaking with the team, exploring how we could bring my vision to life in a way that felt more aligned and exciting than before.

This experience reminded me of the value of adaptability, not just as an artist but as a human being. The creative journey is rarely linear. It’s a winding path filled with unexpected turns that test our commitment to our craft. Challenges will come, but they don’t define us. What defines us is how we respond to them. Do we give up at the first sign of resistance, or do we see these moments as opportunities to grow and evolve?

When things don’t go as planned, take a step back and revisit your “why.”

• Why did you start this journey in the first place?
• What is the bigger picture you’re working toward?

These reflections can anchor you and give you the clarity and strength to move forward.

The universe isn’t against us; sometimes, it’s asking us to adjust our approach. I always hear this phrase from famous actors, people who’ve built businesses, singers: 

“You learn nothing from success. Only failure teaches you and makes you better.”

Each challenge we face is just a reinforcement of our commitment. It reminds us of our vision and its importance. So stay focused, stay flexible, and trust in your ability to navigate whatever comes your way. Every decision and every choice we make in our journey shape us as people and as artists, adding depth and meaning to everything we do and paving our way to success.

- Rita Vicari, Milan Art Institute Mastery Program Graduate

Milan Art Institute

Empowering Artists to Inspire and Impact the World Through Art