I’m Sorry // I’m Not Sorry: Exploring Apologies Through Art

As an artist, my creative journey often takes me to unexpected places, both geographically and emotionally. One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on recently is my “Sorry Series”—a collection of artworks that delve deep into the emotional complexities of apologizing and its effects on our personal and social lives. This series began in Madrid, Spain, and continued in Mexico, where I had the privilege of presenting the first part of the series in an exhibition in Mexico City in December 2024.

The First Part of the “Sorry Series”: “Tá Brón Orm” (I’m Sorry)

While in Madrid, I began working on the initial phase of the “Sorry Series”, inspired by the common but often overused act of apologizing. My first solo exhibition, titled “Tá Brón Orm”, which translates from Irish as “I’m Sorry”, was presented at Casa Lu Sur in Mexico City in December 2024.

In this collection, I explored the psychological impact and social dynamics of saying sorry without genuine need, creating large-scale paintings that reflect the tension between emotional sincerity and social obligation. The exhibition invited visitors to consider the emotional weight of unnecessary apologies and how they influence our relationships, self-worth, and daily interactions.

Why Apologies Matter: The Emotional Weight of “Sorry”

In the “Sorry Series”, the word “sorry” is not just a verbal exchange but an emotional symbol. The first part of the series, “Tá Brón Orm”, explored how habitual apologies can diminish their power, and in doing so, dilute the authenticity of human connections. This first exhibition set the tone for an ongoing investigation into the role of apologies in modern life and how they shape our personal identities.

The Second Part of the “Sorry Series”: “Níl Brón Orm” (I’m Not Sorry)

Following the success of “Tá Brón Orm”, I’m excited to present the second part of my “Sorry Series”, titled “Níl Brón Orm”, which translates from Irish as “I’m Not Sorry”. The upcoming exhibition will be held at the unique 360XQMX Gallery in Ajijic, Jalisco, on the rooftop of the gallery with stunning views of Lake Chapala and the surrounding mountains. This exhibition, set for 2025, will mark a continuation of my exploration into the themes of apology, guilt, and personal accountability.

Shifting the Narrative: “I’m Not Sorry”

Whereas “I’m Sorry” explored the consequences of apologizing without sincerity, “I’m Not Sorry” flips the narrative. This new body of work looks at the emotional liberation that comes with not apologizing when we feel no guilt or responsibility. It challenges the societal expectation that we must always offer an apology, even in situations where we have nothing to regret. In this second part of the series, and through the showing of the first part, I examine empowerment and self-assertion, showcasing the strength it takes to stand firm in one’s beliefs without the need for unnecessary remorse.

The “Níl Brón Orm” exhibition is designed to provoke a conversation around authenticity, personal boundaries, and the role of vulnerability in human interactions. The artworks created for this exhibition challenge the audience to consider the implications of both saying and not saying “sorry” and how these actions shape our identity and relationships.

Rooftop Exhibition at 360XQMX: A Unique Artistic Experience

The 360XQMX Gallery in Ajijic, Mexico, is the perfect setting for the presentation of this new series. With its open-air rooftop and panoramic views, the gallery provides a space where art can be experienced in the natural world, further enhancing the themes of personal freedom and emotional clarity explored in “I’m Not Sorry”. The outdoor space allows the art to engage with the elements of nature—wind, light, and the expansive horizon—creating an immersive experience that reflects the emotional breadth of the “Sorry Series”.

The Importance of Location in Artistic Expression

The setting of 360XQMX adds a unique dimension to the exhibition. Situated in the scenic town of Ajijic, near Lake Chapala, the gallery’s location allows the artwork to be experienced in an environment that is both tranquil and expansive, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on the emotional themes of the series. This contrast between the serenity of the surroundings and the emotional intensity of the artwork creates a dynamic and thought-provoking atmosphere.

Moving Forward: Continuing the Journey of the “Sorry Series”

As I prepare for the launch of “Níl Brón Orm” at 360XQMX in 2025, I am reminded of the ongoing evolution of this project. From “I’m Sorry” to “I’m Not Sorry”, the “Sorry Series” is not just about exploring apologies but about unpacking the emotions, expectations, and personal truths that come with them. Each piece in the series challenges the viewer to examine their own relationship with the concept of apology, self-expression, and emotional authenticity.

Conclusion: Apology, Identity, and Empowerment

The “Sorry Series” has been an incredibly meaningful project, both for me as an artist and for the viewers who have engaged with the work. From the first exhibition in Mexico City to the upcoming presentation in Ajijic, this exploration of apologies—whether given or withheld—encourages us all to reflect on our own emotional lives and the authenticity of our interactions.

As I continue to explore these complex themes through art, I look forward to presenting “Níl Brón Orm” in the stunning environment of 360XQMX and sharing this second chapter of the “Sorry Series” with a wider audience. Stay tuned for more updates as the exhibition date approaches, and don’t miss the opportunity to experience this powerful body of work in the heart of Ajijic, Jalisco.

PIGSY Art Exhibition Information:

What: “Níl Brón Orm” (I’m not Sorry)

Where: 360XQMX, Constitución 98, Ajijic (Aldama/Francisco Madera)

When: Saturday 25th of January 5pm - 7.30pm

Email info@pigsy.art to attend - see you there!

The Emotional Weight of Habitual Apologies: PIGSY’s Artistic Exploration

In my artistic research, Idelved deeply into the emotional complexities of habitual apologies—specifically the practice of saying sorry without genuine need or authenticity. Through a series of interviews with psychologists, writers, poets, and color therapists, I aimed to provoke a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional impact of insincere apologies, shedding light on how this habit affects our relationships, self-worth, and sense of identity.

Understanding the Impact of Habitual Apologies

Many of us are accustomed to offering an automatic apology in daily interactions, often without considering whether it’s warranted. PIGSY art invites viewers to critically examine this common social behavior. His work goes beyond the surface, challenging the idea that apologizing out of habit can have profound consequences for both the individual who offers the apology and the recipient.

The Consequences of Inauthentic Apologies

An apology is meant to convey regret, responsibility, and empathy. However, when apologies are given routinely or without genuine feeling, they can lose their meaning, weakening relationships and diminishing the value of true remorse. My exploration of this concept invites the art viewers to reflect on the emotional and psychological toll that habitual apologies take on a person’s emotional well-being. Inauthentic apologies may even contribute to a sense of guilt or shame that the individual may not have earned, impacting their self-worth and personal identity.

By drawing on psychological research and personal stories, my work uncovers how these insincere expressions can result in a disconnect between one’s true feelings and the persona they present to the world. The focus on emotional authenticity resonates with my art viewers on a deeply personal level, and may urge them to reevaluate their own patterns of communication and introspect on how they relate to others.

Viewing Human Vulnerability: The Humanity Behind Apologies

Beyond simply critiquing the habit of insincere apologies, PIGSY art emphasizes the humanity behind the raw emotional experiences that apologies can convey. While this work critiques the emotional weight of habitual apologies, it also explores the vulnerability that is often masked by the surface-level gesture of an apology.

By recognizing the emotional layers involved in the act of apologizing—whether it’s out of social conditioning, guilt, or the desire to please—viewers are encouraged to explore how the human condition is often reflected in the simplest of gestures. In this way, the exhibition offers a nuanced perspective on the act of apologizing, turning it into a point of introspection and deeper understanding.

Encouraging Self-Reflection and Growth

At the heart of this exhibition is a call for self-reflection and emotional growth. The work encourages individuals to recognize when they are engaging in unnecessary apologies and to question the social forces that push them to do so. By examining the emotional consequences of habitual apologies, viewers of my art are given the space to reflect on their own communication habits and to begin a journey toward emotional authenticity.