The waiting room 

Nieves Mingueza’s collage, ‘The Waiting Room,’ presents an interplay of stark contrasts and implied narratives. Mingueza, born in 1971, creates a space that feels both timeless and acutely present. The piece juxtaposes a dark, dense thicket with a scene of children running through water. This contrast evokes questions about freedom, innocence, and the shadows that may encroach upon them. How do we reconcile the carefree spirit of youth with the awareness of lurking dangers or unknown futures? The figures, caught in motion, appear to be running towards or away from something, leaving us to ponder their motivations and destination. Are they fleeing a threat, or eagerly chasing a dream? The ambiguity invites us to reflect on our own journeys, the obstacles we face, and the moments of lightness we strive to capture. ‘The Waiting Room’ becomes a mirror, reflecting our hopes, fears, and the ever-present tension between the known and the unknown.