"Opposites" reflects a profound critique of social conformity, revealing how, in many cases, we are swept along by prevailing currents and lose our individual essence. The piece explores the idea that, in today’s society, most people become mere followers, acting like automatons without questioning the decisions they make or the beliefs they adopt. Social pressure and constant messages from the media and institutions push us toward a uniformity that makes us forget who we truly are. It’s as if we were programmed to obey without thinking, without reflecting on the consequences of our actions or whether they truly reflect our convictions.

The painting suggests that this alienation occurs not only in the personal realm but also in the political and social spheres. The work denounces how we often fall into the trap of speeches that seem to offer easy solutions to complex problems, allowing ourselves to be swayed by simplistic messages that, in reality, manipulate us to serve interests that are not our own. These discourses, which exploit fear and uncertainty, promote a black-and-white worldview, lacking nuance and reflection. By letting ourselves be drawn in by them, we betray our ability to think critically and, ultimately, our own identity.

However, Opposites also conveys a message of hope. Despite the pressure, despite the deafening noise around us that seeks to silence us, there is always the possibility of awakening, of opening our eyes and realizing the truth. We can break the chains that bind us to automatic behaviors and beliefs, and start walking in the opposite direction—one that restores our freedom of thought and authenticity. It is a call for positive rebellion, to be aware of the external influences that try to shape us and to fight to stay true to ourselves.

Ultimately, Opposites is a call to regain consciousness, to reconnect with our deepest values, and to have the courage to go against the current when necessary, despite the challenges it may entail. It’s a reminder that we always have the option to stay true to ourselves and to choose our own path, even when everyone else seems to be following another.

This work is part of the European Unity collection, which Gómez Cambronero presented in November 2023 in a major solo exhibition at the European Parliament in Brussels.