Jared Bernstein

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Jared BernsteinGood Enough, 2020

Jared Bernstein, Good Enough

acrylic, oilstick, spray paint and colored pencils on canvas
179 × 213 cm
70 × 84 in

About the Artwork

I’m burdened
Jumping through hoops
Dodging hurdles
My blood curdles
Time is fertile
For planting a flower
I’m no longer a spring shower
I’m more subtle
Stepping over a muddy puddle
Handing over all my troubles
Bursting all my bubbles
It’s my hobby
No reason to be cagey or dodgy
I’m wobbly
Flooded by memories
Of my contemporaries
Pushing up daisies
When I flex
I can be macho but mainly I’m
Dainty
Saintly
Reflecting
Remembering myself faintly
Instantly and innately
Patiently
Quietly and quaintly
It’s insanity
This calamity
All I have is this mirror
For basking in vanity
Triviality
I’m slamming the door with
Finality
Gracefully
Maintaining my dignity
And humanity
With humility
I never lacked
Proper etiquette
Tit for tat
I smell a rat
Just cause I’m a big baby
Doesn’t mean I’m a brat
Just because I’m giving up
Doesn’t mean I quit
I’m not losing hope
A new fire's been lit
I’m equipped
To handle any threat
No need to fret
Over a gentleman’s bet
Whether major or minor
Let’s settle this debt
Once and for all
Bury the hatchet
Say goodbye to regret
I gotta eat
Once my appetite’s been whet
Without my intellect
I’m just an ordinary twit
In the midst of a fit
For heavens sake did a
Double take
To prove I’m no fake
By the hand of fate
I’m heavenly sent
Hell bent to repent
Start a new ascent
I won’t relent
Without a chance to vent
I’m not content
With just one lament
Each time I pound my chest
Another dent
If we both say yes that’s
Mutual consent
Here’s my two cents
That’s money well spent
A moonlight tryst
I want to live
Not merely exist
I gave you the plot
Now here’s a twist
You sit on the steps
I’ll blow you a kiss
Who could possibly resist
A proposition like this
The days are getting short
The hours getting late
Dusted myself off
Stood up straight
It’s an important date
Can barely wait
I’m squeaky clean
With my clean slate
Ready to greet my fate
I forgive myself
Can you relate

Curatorial notes

Good Enough is a deeply personal reflection on self-acceptance, resilience, and forgiveness. The painting's expressive figures and vivid colors mirror the emotional intensity of the poem, which moves through memories, regrets, insecurities, aspirations, and moments of hard-earned clarity. Throughout the work, Bernstein confronts the pressure to prove himself while gradually recognizing the value of compassion toward oneself. The recurring themes of repentance, renewal, and personal growth suggest a journey away from self-judgment and toward acceptance. By the poem's conclusion, the artist stands ready to "greet my fate" with a clean slate, asking the viewer a simple but profound question: "I forgive myself / Can you relate?" The work reminds us that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to be human, imperfect, and ultimately good enough.

About the Artist — Jared Bernstein

I search in my work, whether poetry, photography or painting, the humanistic approach. My work is free flowing and raw, reminiscent of the works by Jean-Michel Basquiat. The primeval imagery and universality free me to explore my creative life without judgment.   
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